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A SKETCH 



OF 



THE EARLY SETTLEMENT 




AND SUBSEQUENT PROGRESS OF 



He Iflwn d 1 ettrtiwiitjjfc, 



AND OP EACH TOWNSHIP IN' THK 



COUNTY OF PETERBOROUGH 



V- 



Y 



BY THOMAS W. POOLE. M. D. 




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<^>* c 



PETERBOROUGH, C. W. 

Printed at the Offiee of the Peterborough Review, 

1867. 



T 



0? 






s 



DEDICATION 



The following page? are respectfully dedicated to the Warden and 
Members of the County Council of Peterborough, by 

The Author. 
Peterborough, January 2nd, 1867. 



PREFACE. 



The writer of the following pages has had in view the collection and 
preservation of reminiscences of the early days when the town and county of 
Peterborough were first settled. This portion of the task seemed incom- 
plete, without a summary of leading events in town and county to the 
present time. He has endeavoured to approach the subject as impartially, 
and to record the facts as accurately as possible. The events or the earlier 
years were gathered from such of the first settlers as still survive, and 
although, as might be expected, slight discrepancies were sometimes found 
in the recollections of these different observers, these were only upon minor 
matters of trifling import ; so that the general details may be relied on as 
correct. For the events of later years, and especially since 1845, 
printed and official documents have been to some extent available ; but it 
is to be regretted that in none of our public offices has much attention been 
shewn to preserve and hand down to futurity, current and evanescent 
records of the time, which will, by and by, be of rare value and historic 
interest. 

Whether the facts here recorded (most of them for the first time) were 
of sufficient interest and importance to justify their collection in permanent 
form ; and whether the task has bern accomplished in a proper and worthy 
manner, must be left to the public to decide; to whom it is now offered, to 
be judged upon its merits. 

Peterborough, January 2nd, 1867. 



A C KNOWLEDGE ME NT. 



The Author of this little work herewith returns his best thanks and 
grateful acknowledgements to the numerous persons, both in town and 
county, who have kindly and gratuitously assisted him, by contributions 
of facts and incidents, oral, written, or printed, on which the following 
pages are chiefly based, and without which he would have been unable to 
accomplish his task. 

The very enumeration of the names of the persons to whom he is thus 
under obligation, would be a formidable task ; and he begs of them, one 
and all, to accept this general acknowledgement of his gratitude for the 
services they have so cheerfully and promptly rendered. 

Peterborough. January 2nd. 1867. 



C NTEN T S . 



Chapter L — A Pioneer < 'hapter Page 1. 

II. — The Immigration of 1825 3. 

III.— The Town of Peterborough 13. 

IV. — A Governor's Visit 19. 

V. — Progress and Development 23. 

VI.— The Peterborough Militia of 1837-8 29. 

VII. — Trainings and Elections 38. 

VIII. — Erection of Court House and Jail 42. 

IX. — (]). A Satirical Production. (2). Another Immigration. 

(3). The Election of 1841 46. 

X.— The New Colborne District 50. 

XL — Schools and County Superintendents 54. 

XII. — Miscellaneous 59. 

XIII. — The Town Incorporated — Progress 65. 

XIV. — The Prince of Wales in Peterborough 73. 

XV.— Miscellaneous 80. 

XVI.— The Railroad Era 85. 

XVII.— The Lumber Trade 92. 

XVIII.— (1). Population. (2). Manufactures. (3). Trade and 

Merchandize 97. 

XIX. — (1) The Banks of Peterborough. (2) The Churches of 

Peterborough. (3). The Schools of Peterborough. 106. 
XX. — (] ) Summary of Legislative Council Elections. (2) Sum- 
mary of Legislative Assembly Elections. (3) Wardens 
for the County. (4) Mayors, Reeves, Clerks and 
Treasurers of Peterborough. (5) Justices of the 
Peace for Peterborough. (6) Coroners, Assessors, 
Collectors. &c. (7) Reeves and Justices of the Peace 

for Ashburnham 118. 



VTTI. 

CONTENTS— Continued. 

XXI.-— The Township of Smith Page 123. 

XXE .—The Township of Otonabee 132. 

XXII J .—The Township of Douro 146. 

XXIV.— The Township of Asphodel 158. 

XXV.— The Township o\' Dummer 167. 

XXVI. — The Townships of Belmont and Methuen L80. 

XXVn.— The Township of Monaghan 1 83. 

XXVIII.— The Township of Ennismore ' 186. 

XXIX.— The Township of Harvey • 191. 

XXX. — The New Townships : including Gal way, Snowden, Min- 
den, Stanhope, and the Lands of the Canadian Land 

and Emigration Company, 198. 

XXXI, — The Burleigh Eoad and the Townships of Burleigh. 

• Chandos, Anstruther. &c 208. 

XXXIL— The Indian Tribes of the County 213. 

XXXIII. — Our Brave Volunteers : Lists of Officers and Privates of 
the several Peterboro' Companies who rushed to arms 
to repel invasion in June, I860. Other Volunteer 
Companies since organized, — Peterborough Infantry 
Company No. 2 : Norwood Infantry Company, Hastings 
Infantry Company, and Springville Infantry Company. 216. 



A SKETCH 



OF 



THE EARLY SETTLEMENT 

AND SUBSEQUENT PROGRESS OF 

Utr Iowa 0f §*t**&0*0tt0ft, 

AND EACH TOWNSHIP TN THE 

COUNTY OF PETERBOROUGH. 



CHAPTER I. 

A PIONEER CHAPTER. 

Prior to the year 1818, that portion of Canada now known as the 
flourishing County of Peterborough, was covered by an unbroken forest 
in which the settler's axe had never echoed, and where, save the homeless 
Indian or the adventurous hunter, the foot of man had scarcely pene 
trated. * 

In that year, a small body of emigrants sailed from England, some of 
whom, braving the perils of the bush, found their way into the township 
of Smith, then but recently surveyed. This was in the Autumn of 1818 ■ 
the pioneers finding an inlet by way of Rice Lake and the Otonabee river', 
for as yet, and for long after, there was no semblance of a road through 
the wooded wilderness stretching away between the frontier settlements 
and their new home. 

The merit of the first settlement in the county belongs to the. township 



of Smith, and in connection with that township, in a future page, will be 
found the names of those brave men, and such account as we have been 
able to gather, of the incidents, difficulties and privations attending their 
early settlement in the bush. 

In May 181'9, a party of gentlemen from " the front ' ; came up the 
Otonabee in a skiff, for the purpose of. selecting a mill site, and otherwise 
"prospecting 5 ' in the new townships, These were Charles Fothergill, 
Esq., at one time M. P. P. for Durham, Thomas Ward, Esq., of Port 
Hope, Clerk of the Peace for the District, John Farrelly, Surveyor, Adam 
Scott, Millwright, and Barnabas Bletcher, Mr. John Edmison, now of 
Smith, then an intending settler, who had already drawn a lot of land at 
hazard, accompanied them, 

They landed just above Spaulding's bay, at a spot which was afterwards 
a-steamboat landing, and near the site in after years of the steam saw 
mill of Messrs. Shaw and Fortune, the chimney of which alone is now 
standing. Scott here discharged his gun, and then by means of the flint 
of the lock a fire was kindled, the party assisting in gathering wood for 
the purpose. After a lunch, which sufficed for supper, they lay down 
around the fire, beneath the spreading branches of the trees and slept. 

Next morning Edmison and Ward started for Mud Lake, following the 
blaze on the trees along the communication line, and sharing the meals of 
some of the settlers of the previous year. Ward was the owner of the 
land comprising the site of the present village of Bridgenorth ; and having 
accomplished their object, they returned to the scene of their open air 
encampment, Here the other prospecting party were found in good 
spirits, and discussing the project for a future mill. By damming up the 
creek which still traverses the site of the Town, and conveying the water 
along a short excavation to the steep bank of the Otonabee river, an 
eligible mill-site would be obtained, and at a trifling cost compared with 
the expense of attempting to control the rapidly descending waters of the 
Otonabee, at any point in the neighborhood, 

Well pleased with the results of this exploration visit, the party passed 
down the river, and across Rice Lake on the same evening. The little 
piece of engineering thus projected was successfully carried out, and in 
about two years Mr. Adam Scott had a small saw and grist mill in opera- 
tion under one roof, The same water privilege is still in use, though 
turned to much better account ji the large frame mill in active operation 
on the corner of King and Wa|&| streets. 



Further reference will be made to this first mill, which, though neces- 
sarily a small structure, and the machinery imperfect, was nevertheless a 
great boon to the early settlers. 

A reference to the first settlers in their several localities will be made 
as our task progresses. A cursory allusion to the settlement in Smith 
seemed necessary here, in order to preserve in the reader's mind the relative 
date of events which occurred prior to the survey or settlement of the 
Town, or the advent of the Immigration of 1825, to which we now ad- 
dress ourselves, 



CHAPTER II 



THE IMMIGRATION OF 1825. 

Not only was the Town of Peterborough without a single inhabitant in 
the Spring of 1825, save Mr. Scott, the proprietor of the mill and a 
workman or two who assisted him, but the settlers in the adjoining town- 
ships were few, and their prospects far from encouraging. Two families 
only were settled in Douro, those of -Robert Reid, Esq., and the Honble 
Thos. Alex. Stewart, afterwards a life member of the Legislative Council 
of Upper Canada. Besides the little colony in Smith already referred 
to, a few adventurous settlers had found their way into Otonabee, Aspho- 
del, Monaghan and Emily, but very little land had been brought into 
cultivation. The country languished and many even of the best settlers 
felt despondent as to the prospects of the future.* 

Up till this period the entire number of settlers occupying the town- 
ships north of Rice Lake did not exceed five hundred.f During the 
autumn of that year a large accession was made to their numbers by an 
Emigration on an extensive scale chiefly from the south of Ireland, con- 
ducted by the Honble Peter Robinson, under the auspices of the British 
government, which greatly conduced to the speedy settlement and improve 
ment of the country 4 Four hundred and fifteen families availed them- 
selves of the advantages thus afforded them, comprising in all 2,024 souls. || 

*Capt. Rubidge's Evidence before the Committee of the Brit. Par,— 1847. Question 2653. 
fCapt. Rubidge's evidence before the Imperial Emigration Committf e in 1847, as quoted m * 
pamphlet " Ireland and Canada," by Sir Robert Wilmot Horton, Bart , (?.' C. H. Page 41. 
JCapt, Rubidge's evidence 1847. Question 2.665. 
il Horton's '■ Ireland and Canada." Page 34. 

2* 



J' 



The ships laden with the emigrants sailed from Cork in May, 1825, 
and after a very speedy passage, in only one case exceeding 31 days, 
arrived at Quebec, from whence they were immediately forwarded to 
Kingston. Here they remained for nearly two weeks, mostly in tents, 
and owing to the intense heat of the season many of them suffering from 
fever and ague. Mr. Robinson in the meantime had sailed from Liver- 
pool to New York, and proceeded from thence to Toronto by way of 
Niagara.* We mention this as illustrating the round about manner of 
reaching the capital of Canada from Great Britain in those days, compared 
with the direct routes and expedition of the present time. 

Having procured from the Surveyor General such information as he 
could, in reference to the lands he was about to settle, he proceeded to 
Cobourg and thence to Peterborough, or " Scott's plains " as it was then 
called, and spent six days in exploring the townships, aided by Mr., after- 
wards Colonel, McDonell, whom he describes as u an intelligent and respect- 
able young man well acquainted with the country." In the minutes of his 
evidence taken before the Emigration Committee in London in 1827,f we 
find the following narrative of subsequent events : — " On the 11th August," 
said Mr. Robinson, "I embarked five hundred on board of a steam-boat, and 
landed them the next day at Cobourg on Lake Ontario, a distance of one 
hundred miles ; the remainder of the settlers were brought up in the same 
manner, the boat making a trip each week. Our route from Cobourg to 
Smith, at the head of the Otonabee River, lay through a country as yet 
very thinly inhabited ; the road leading from Lake Ontario to the Rice 
Lake (12 miles) hardly passable, and the Otonabee River in many places 
very rapid, and, the water much lower than it had been known for many 
years. The first thing I did was to repair the road, so that loaded wag- 
gons might pass ; and in this work I received every assistance from the 
magistrates of the District, who gave me fifty pounds from the District 
funds ; and this sum, together with the labor of our people, enabled me 
to improve the road in ten days so much that our provisions and baggage 
could be sent across with ease, and three large boats were transported on 
wheels from Lake Ontario to the Rice Lake. The Otonabee River is 
navigable for twenty-five miles, although in many places it is very rapid, 
and at this season there was not water enough to float a boat of the 
ordinary construction over some of the shoals. To remedy this difficulty, 

* Mr. Robinson's evidence before Select Committee of the Imperial Parliament. Third Report 
1821. Page 346. 
t Third Report 01 Select Committee, 1827. Page 346. 



I had a boat built of such dimensions as I thought might best answer to 
ascend the rapids, and had her completed in eight days. So much de- 
pended upon the success of this experiment that I felt great anxiety until 
the trial was made ; and I cannot express the happiness I felt at finding 
that nothing could more fully have answered our purposes, and this boat, 
sixty feet in length and eight feet wide, carrying an immense burthen, 
could be more easily worked up the stream, than one of half the size 
carrying comparatively nothing. Now that I had opened the way to the 
depot at the head of the river, there was no other difficulty to surmount 
than that which arose from the prevailing sickness, the fever and ague, 
which at this time was as common among the old settlers as ourselves. 
The first party I ascended the river with consisted of twenty men of the 
country, hired as axe-men , and thirty of the healthiest of the settlers ; 
not one of these men escaped the ague and fever, and two died." 

The boat alluded to was flat bottomed, and was propelled by several oars 
at each side. It would carry between twenty and thirty persons with a 
lar^e amount of lufjcraee, and. with hard work, the distance from Gore's 
landing to " Scott's plains" could be made in a day. The landing place 
was that before mentioned, just above Spaulding's Bay, and at the spot 
afterwards used as a steamboat landing. 

Immediately on arriving here with their slender store of worldly goods, 
the immigrants set about constructing rude huts or wigwams, composed of 
slabs, bark, or the branches of trees, and sods, to shelter them from the 
weather during the interval which must elapse before they could be located 
upon their lands in the neighboring Townships. As one boat load after 
another was discharged upon the landing, and the crowd of immigrants in- 
creased, the " plains" began to present a lively and animated appearance. 
The temporary huts were dotted here and there in groups, or singly, as the 
attraction of acquaintance or the facilities of shelter offered, while the bustle 
consequent upon landing and the details of perfecting the arrangements, 
and above all, the novelty of the present, and the uncertainty of the future, 
must have deeply impressed the minds of the more thoughtful and observ- 
ing as they gazed upon the scene. 

The buildings erected by Mr. Robinson on his arrival, to serve as a 
residence for himself, his clerks and servants, as well as those used as store- 
houses and offices, will be referred to hereafter, and described, both as to 
their appearance and location, in the chapter treating more especially of the 
early settlement of the Town of Peterborough. 



Among those who assisted Mr. Robinson in dispensing the Government 
rations was Wesley Ritchie and Captain John Armstrong, who subsequent- 
ly settled in Douro. These rations consisted of one pound of pork and one 
pound of flour for each person over 14 years of age, half a pound of these 
to children between five and 11 years. A pound of meat and flour was 
also allowed to every four children under five years of age,™ a description 
of food to which they were unaccustomed, which more than supplied their 
wants, and the surplus of which was not unfrequently exchanged for whis- 
key or other less injurious commodities. These rations were continued for 
a period of 18 months,* the chief portion of the provisions having to be 
brougnt in from Cobourg and elsewhere along the frontier. 

The task of locating the emigrants, Mr. Robinson speaks of as " by far 
the most troublesome and laborious part of the service." In this he was 
ably assisted by Mr. Alexander McDonell, (subsequently Colonel of Militia) 
Mr. John Smith, and by Capt. Rubidge, R. N., who in 1819 had settled 
in Otonabce, nine miles south of Peterboro'. The latter gave his services 
gratuitously, and rendered efficient aid in locating the immigrants in Oton- 
abee, and subsequently conducted two later immigrations on a smaller scale, 
to which reference will be made hereafter. 

The plan adopted was to send out the immigrants in groups, accompanied 
by one or more guides, to examine the land and choose their locations. One 
hundred acres of land was allotted to each family of five persons, and a lot 
having been chosen was set down in the name of the head of the family. 
In some instances, even the sons, if they were grown up and of a certain 
age, received 100 acres of land also.f Contracts were then let by Mr. 
Robinson, to former settlers and others to erect a shanty upon each lot, at 
an average cost of $10 each J ; roads were hastily cut through the forest, 
and a few oxen and horse teams purchased by Mr. Robinson to transport 
the immigrants and their luggage to their new homes. The greater number 
of oxen and horse teams engaged in this work, however, belonged to old 
settlers south of Rice Lake, hired for this purpose, and brought up through 
the bush in the best way they could. A great deal of expense and incon- 
venience might have been spared, as Capt. Rubidge pointed out in his 
evidence before the select committee of the British Parliament in 1847, 
had roads been previously cut, and houses of accommodation provided at 

*Capt. Rubidge's evidence before the Imperial Emigration Committee, 1847 Question 2675. 

flbid. Question 2672. 

+Capt. Rubidge— Report of select committee. 1847. Page 283 



7 

several points. But all these requirements had to be provided simultane- 
ously, and at a time when provisions were unusually dear. 

With the exception of a few families who remained in Peterborough, (or 
rather on " Scott's plains," as it was still called) during the winter, the 
entire number of immigrants were located on their lands during the Autumn 
of 1825. Each family was then supplied with a cow, an axe, an auger, a 
handsaw, a hammer, 100 nails, 2 gimlets, 3 hoes, 1 kettle, 1 frying pan, 
1 iron pot, 5 bushels of seed potatoes, and 8 quarts of Indian Corn, 

But though these poor immigrants were thus provided for in a manner 
which would now be considered more than sufficient for their necessities, 
they had still difficulties and discouragements enough to overcome. Fif- 
teen of their number had died during the passage to Quebec, and eighty- 
seven more after their arrival in Canada, up to March, 1826. That scourge 
of the early settler, fever and ague, assailed them almost from the moment 
they arrived in the country, and many strong hearts were unnerved, and 
vigorous forms prostrated, by it during the first few seasons. Scarcely a 
family escaped, and sometimes the entire household shook for months, till 
they were hardly able to hand each other a drink of water. Eleven funerals 
from the immigrants took place in Kingston in a single day, where dysentery 
was combined with fever, and a number of families were detained at Co- 
bourg from the same cause, till nearly every family had to mourn its dead. 
In the remoter settlements, where medical aid could not be procured, the 
most loathsome draughts were used, in order, if possible, to mitigate the 
disease, but as clearances were made, and dampness eliminated from the soil, 
its effects diminished, till of late years, except in localities peculiarly favor- 
able for its production, it is comparatively rare. 

The total number of these immigrants and their families is shewn as 
follows* : — 

Embarked at Cork in May, 1825. 2,024 

Joined in Canada 12 

Born do. up to March 15, 1826 33 

Total 2,069 

A surgeon of the Royal Navy was on board of each ship, and accom- 
panied the immigrants to their destination. Among these were the late Dr. 
Connin, Dr. Reade, and others whose names we have not learned. 

♦Appendix to Report of Select Committee of British Parliament, 1827, P. 293. 



The following tabular statement oompiled from official sources, -will be 
found interesting : — 



Men WomnChild'n Total 



Located in Newcastle District.. 

do Bathurst 

with friends at Quebec 

do do Montreal 

do Kingston 

Absent without 

Canada 



621 

15 
o 

9 



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1 
9 



t'SO 





745 




512 
15 


55 







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- 


1 

2 
12 


11 


4 
15 






39 



The immigrants were, not unnaturally, regarded at first with coldness and 
distrust by the previous set: 1 it has been said of them that, while 

their rations lasted, they contented themselves in idleness and sloth, and 

put forth I rions necessary to pc mmeneing life in a 

country, when compelled to do so by the cutting off of their suj j - But 
lis calumny is sufficiently shewn by the official return- 
vroduets of their first year's lab which were cohv 

Robinson, and their correctness vouched for by him to the Emigre 
Cownittee before referred to These are shewn to be a- - — 





















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9 

The early industry of the immigrant settlers will further appear from 
the following : — 

ESTIMATED VALUE OF THE PRODUCE OF THE LABOR OF THE IMMIGRANTS 
OF 1825, ON THE 24TH NOVEMBER, 1826. 

1386-J acres of Land cleared and fenced at £4 per acre £5,548 

67,799 bushels of Potatoes, at Is. 

25,623 bushels of Turnips, at 6d, 

10.438 bushels of Indian Corn, at 2s. 6d. 

363J acres of Wheat, sown in the autumn of 1826, at 

£2 per acre, 
9,067 lbs. of Maple Sugar, at 4d. 
40 Oxen, purchased by their labour, at £7 each 
80 Cows, ditto, ditto, at £4 10s. eacli 
166 Hogs, ditto, ditto, at 15s. each 

Total, Halifax Currency £12,524 19 

An attack was made upon the loyalty and patriotism of the immigrants 
in the Colonial Advocate, of December 8th, 1826, a newspaper then 
published at York (Toronto) by the late William Lyon Mackenzie, 
which furnished the occasion not only for a triumphant vindication of 
their character in this respect, but also for the most ample assurances of 
their general good character and amiable deportment. The following was 
the paragraph which appeared in the Advocate : — 

" Mr. Robinson's Irish Settlers. — We have information which may 
be depended upon, stating that these people have an ardent desire to go to 
the United States, and that they frequently desert. No less than thirty 
of them decamped lately in one night. 

To how much more useful a purpose might £30,000 have been expended 
than in recruiting in Ireland for the United States soldiers by Canadian 
Councillors !" 

Prompt and satisfactory denials of the truth of this slander were at 

once published, and are still to be found in the printed documents relating 

to this emigration. Two of these were immediately forwarded to the 

Weekly Register, a London Journal, for insertion, the first by Thomas T. 

Orton, Esq., of the " Land Register Office," Port Hope, and the second by 

James Pitzgibbon, Esq., of York. In the communication of the latter 

the following paragraph occurs : — 

" When it is considered that some of these settlers are mechanics, and 
3 



10 

all of them utter strangers to the forests of America, that the men and 
women could find employment and good wage3 every where between the 
settlement and New York City, it is only to be wondered at, that many 
of them have not spread themselves over these Provinces and the neigh- 
boring States. This, however, they have not done, nor have I learned 
(during a recent visit to them) that they have done any other act since 
their arrival amongst us, for which I or any other countryman of their's 
need blush." * 

LETTER FROM HON. THOMAS A. STEWART, M. L. C, OF DOURO. 

The following is a copy of a published letterf to the Rev. James Crowley, 
a Roman Catholic Clergyman, from the Hon. Thomas Alexander Stewart, 
who is described as " a very respectable gentleman, and a magistrate, 
residing in the midst of the Irish Immigrants " : — 

To the Rev. Mr. Crowley : 

Douro, January 20th, 1826. 

Dear Sir : — I beg to transmit the following statement. Some days 
ago I perused a paragraph in the Colonial Advocate relating to Mr. 
Robinson's Immigrants, stating that thirty had left this in one night and 
gone to the United States, and that the rest were inclined to go also. 
This I conceive to be entirely false and without foundation. I am here 
living in the very midst of them ; from twenty to thirty pass my door 
almost every day. I visit the camp every week, and at all times I take 
an opportunity of conversing with them on their affairs. I have always 
found them satisfied and happy. Some of them have told me with tears 
in their eyes that they never knew what happiness was until now. In 
general they are making great exertions in clearing land, and the exertions 
have astonished many of the old settlers. I conceive that this is in gen- 
eral owing to the great care Mr. Robinson has shown in regard to their 
complaints, and studying their wants. Not one complaint has there been 
against them by any of the old settlers, and it is the general opinion that 
where so large a body of people are brought together none could conduct 
themselves better. When we heard of their coming among us we did not 
like the idea,' and immediately began to think it necessary to put bolts and 
bars on our doors and windows ; all these fears have vanished. These 
fears I must acknowledge were in consequence of stories that were circu- 
lated before their arrival in this part, which have all turned out to be 

* Appendix to Report of Select Committee, Brit. Par., 1826. Page 286. 
t Ibid. Page 287. 



11 

equally false with those of the Colonial Advocate. Mr. Robinson has 
also been particularly fortunate in his choice in the Medical Department, 
as the care, humanity and great attention shewn by Dr. Reade could not 
be exceeded. I could say much more but the fact will speak for itself." 

(Signed,) THOMAS ALEX. STEWART. 

We cannot conclude this cursory sketch of the chief incidents connected 
with the location of the immigrants of 1825, without at the same time 
placing on record the zeal and ability with which the Hon. Peter Robinson 
conducted the immigration with which he was entrusted, and the uniform 
kindness and attention to the wants and necessities of the families under 
his charge. That he was respected and beloved by those towards whom 
he had a difficult and trying duty to perform, is prominently shown not 
only by their public expressions at the time, but also by the grateful recol- 
lections they still cherish, and the reminiscences they still repeat, embody- 
ing similar sentiments. So impressed were the Emigration committee of 
the British Parliament with Mr. Robinson's success that they " expressed 
their sense of the zeal, ability and discretion " with which he effected the 
location of the two bodies of Emigrants in 1823 and 1825,* the former 
having been directed towards the Bathurst, and the latter to the Newcastle 
District. But we are not without other witnesses to the truth of this 
statement. About the year 1830, Mr. John Richards was sent out by the 
British Government as a commissioner ." to enquire into the circumstances 
of the Emigrants who went out in 1823 and 1825," and in a letter to Sir 
Robert Wilmot Horton, Bart., dated London, March 1st, 1831, among 
other things he states : "I was two or three days at Peterborough, during 
which time, perhaps, thirty or forty settlers, and some with their families, 
came in to see Mr. Robinson, and the manner in which they met him was 
quite affecting ; it was more to bless him as a benefactor than to receive 
him as a visitor."f 

The statement thus made was confirmed by Captain Rubidge, R. N., 
in evidence offered in 1838, in reply to questions propounded by Sir R. 
W. Horton. Such testimony, from such a source, must have been highly 
gratifying to Mr. Robinson, to his brother Sir John B. Robinson, late 
Chief Justice of Upper Canada, as well as to his numerous friends both 
in England and Canada. - 

* Sir R. W. Horton's "Ireland and Canade." London, 183tt. Page 36. 
f Sjv R. W. Horton's "Ireland and Canada," paa-e 22. 
3* 



12 



The difficulties of the immigrants when once located on their lands were 
common to those of other settlers in the bush, and these will be referred 
to hereafter in the proper place. But there are doubtless many other in- 
cidents and reminiscences specially relating to the immigration, which, at 
this remote period of writing, and in the absence of personal knowledge 
on the part of the writer, or of documentary evidence set down by others 
at the time, cannot now be recalled. 

It was remarked by Capt. Rubidge in 1847, in his evidence already 
referred to, and the statement is fully borne out by subsequent observa- 
tion, that the immigrants improved most rapidly, and were more prosper- 
ous in townships in which they were intermingled with English and Scotch 
settlers, (as in Otonabee for instance) than in others almost exclusively 
occupied by themselves.* 

Whatever opinions may now be entertained as to the relative advan- 
tages, ultimately, to a section of country settled by immigrants to whom 
free grants of land are necessarily accorded, compared with other portions 
where a certain amount of capital is possessed, and the lands are purchased 
by the intending settler, there can be no doubt but that the immigration 
of 1825 to the Newcastle District, gave a great impetus to the settlement 
of this county, and laid the foundation of that material progress and 
prosperity of which we are now so justly proud. In confirmation of this 
statement, if such be necessary, we refer again to the evidence of Capt. 
Rubidge before the Committee of the British Parliament. In reply to 
the question, " In what way did the Emigration of 1825, under the super- 
intendence of the Hon. Peter Robinson, affect your township, (Otonabee) 
as well as others on the North side of Rice Lake ?"— -Capt. Rubidge re- 
plied : — 

" We all felt highly indebted to the British Government, who, by plant- 
ing these Emigrants amongst us, encouraged us to cast aside our despon- 
dency, and ensured to us brighter prospects. Upwards of 2000 souls 
were added to our population j an excellent Mill was built at the expense 
of the Government, since bought by private individuals ; leading roads 
Avere cut out in all directions and a steamboat in operation. Where at 
that time one old house stood, the Town of Peterborough grew up as if 
by magic, and it now (1838) contains two churches, two meeting houses, 
probably 150 houses, and 900 inhabitants. Speculators flocked to the 






* Minutes of Evidence before ihe Select Committee* &c, 1847. Qu«s 26SO. 



13 

neighboring townships in all directions, mills were built — stores opened — 
and life, bustle and civilization went on with spirit. Had it not been for 
this fortuitous accession of population we must have dragged on a lethargic 
existence with doubtful prospects of improvement."* 



CHAPTER III. 



THE TOWN OF PETERBOROUGH. 

A reserve was made in the survey of the township of North Monaghan 
in 1818, for the site of the future town of Peterborough ; but it was not 
until 1825 that the Town plot was laid out by actual survey, by Richard 
Birdsall, Esq., Surveyor, under the direction of the Hon. Zaccheus Burn- 
ham, to whom this task, together with the survey of some of the neigh- 
boring townships had been assigned. At that time, the future importance 
of the place was no doubt dimly foreshadowed in the minds of a few far- 
seeing men ; but the prospect of a town ever being built, or indeed any- 
thing more than a mill, and perhaps a store, in what seemed so remote a 
situation, was regarded as incredible, and was scarcely seriously enter- 
tained among the settlers in the adjoining wilderness. 

In the Spring of 1825, the site of the Town was still in a state of 
nature. The ground west of the creek was densely wooded with a heavy 
growth of pine, interspersed with beech and maple ; while between that 
stream and the Otonabee river, the character of the soil was that known 
as " plains," and the trees were of stunted oak and scrubby pine, inter- 
spersed with smaller brush-wood and occasional grassy spots, some of 
which bore traces of the Indian's camp or the hunter's solitary fire. 

As seen now, the site of the town is generally level, with occasional un- 
dulations. Such could hardly be said of it at the time of which we write. 
There were then elevations and depressions more or less strongly marked, 
which the tastes or the necessities of an active and progressive settlement 
have filled up or laid low. The swampy margins of. the creek before re- 
ferred to, have been filled up, and that useful stream restrained in great 
part within its proper channel. The lot forming the south-east corner of 



* Sir R. W. Horton's " Ireland and Canada," London, 1839. Page 41. 



14 

George and Hunter streets was low and wet, and here, at certain seasons, 
water collected, forming a stagnant pool. Over most of the ground east 
of the creek huckleberries flourished, and grew with especial luxuriance 
amid the stunted trees and shrubbery which covered the beautiful hill 
now adorned by the county buildings. The wild flowers peculiar to a 
plainy soil were not wanting here, and lent their gorgeous hues to decorate 
the scene ; but fruit and flower were speedily crushed out by the iron heel 
of Civilization, which, while it marred the wild richness of nature, fur- 
nished a new mart for the products of industry and a new emporium for 
the wealth and enterprise of man. 

During the four or five years preceding 1825, the little mill erected by 
Mr. Adam Scott on the bank of the Otonabee, (corner of King and Water 
streets,) had been in operation. It was a frame structure of about 18 by 
24 feet, and shook under the vibration of the machinery. Within this 
small space was fitted up a run of very common mill stones, and a single 
upright saw. Without wishing to disparage the enterprise which estab- 
lished this poor apology for a mill, in the heart of the wilderness, it must 
still be confessed, that neither in gristing nor sawing, was it adequate to 
supply even the limited requirements of the few early settlers of that 
period. In addition to this defective mill, an equally impotent distillery 
was carried on in a small house in the vicinity. In the absence of a 
metallic "worm" the vapor was passed through a long wooden tube, 
cooled by the application of water, and thus condensed, the aqueous spirit 
oozed from the further extremity. No means of rectification were avail- 
able, and the whiskey thus produced contained the empyreumatic oil and 
other impurities, which, as well as the disagreeable flavor these occasion, 
the whiskey drinker of that day had to endure as best he could. But 
though lacking in some of the higher qualities (?) which even the "tangle- 
leg" whiskey of the present day possesses, it was quite adequate for the 
chief purpose intended, and would intoxicate as surely, as the most 
elaborate product of improved machinery and modern skill. 

The little mill continued to do such gristing and sawing as it could, up 
till the year "1834, when it was improved, and a brewery and distillery 
added and carried on by Messrs. Hamilton & Fortye, until the year 1835, 
when the whole was burnt down, and the present structure erected. 
The distillery above referred to went out of existence in 1827, but 
Mr. Scott's dwelling house still remains, — now the oldest building in 
Peterborough. It is a low, square, cottage-roofed, frame building, close 



15 

to the edge of Water Street, on the western side, and about midway be- 
tween the market square and "Parneli's mill." The right of way for the 
extension of the railway track, now in process of construction, impinges 
upon one corner of the old house, and it will doubtless soon be demolished 
to make way for this great agent of modern civilization. 

Scott's mill was for many years a land-mark to the immigrant and the 
visitor to the new settlements; and until 1827, Peterborough had no 
other name than "Scott's plains." Its present designation was then chosen, 
as a merited compliment to the Hon. Peter Robinson, to whose successful 
labors in promoting immigration the country felt itself so much indebted. 

The first houses, next to those of Mr. Scott, were erected at the time 
of the immigration of 1825 ; and a cursory reference to these, we trust, 
will not prove uninteresting. We will commence with those erected by 
Mr. Robinson for the purposes of the immigration, as being among the first 
in point of time as well as of importance. 

These were all built of logs, with square gables and shingled roofs. 
Pour of them stood in a row on the south eastern portion of the market 
square, fronting upon Water Street. The largest of the four, which was 
also the most northern, occupied very nearly the site of the front portion 
of the present market house. Its size was about 18 by 20 feet, while the 
others were somewhat smaller. This one was used as a residence for Dr. 
Reade, surgeon to the immigrants, and as a temporary church, in which 
mass was celebrated by the Rev. Mr. Crowley. The two central were used 
as storehouses for the provisions for the immigrants, and probably for other 
purposes. The one nearest the south was Mr. Robinson's general office, 
where accounts were kept and business transacted by himself and his chief 
clerk, Mr. Richard Thornhill. The fifth and largest of these buildings 
was long known as the "government house," and as being the residence of 
Mr. Robinson, Col. McDonell, and Mr. John Smith, surveyor, who assisted 
in locating the immigrants, and for a brief time the resting-place of Vice- 
Royalty itself ; and is worthy of a fuller description. Like the others, it 
was built of logs, was forty feet long by about twenty feet wide. It stood 
on the eastern side of the lot now occupied by the Bank of Montreal, (S. 
E. corner of Simcoe and Water Streets,) about thirty feet from the former 
and forty from the latter, very near the southern end of the brick 
stable now belonging to those premises. It fronted towards the south, 
with a door near the centre of the building, partly concealed by a wooden 



16 

porch in front. There were two windows in the front, and three in the 
rear. The interior was divided into three rooms, of nearly equal size, by 
two partitions of logs, erected with the walls. Into the middle of these the 
front door opened, and here was the chief reception room, from which doors 
opened into the other apartments on either hand. The western room was 
devoted to the purposes of the kitchen, while Mr. Robinson slept in the 
eastern apartment, which also contained sundry books, papers and maps. 
The logs, both of walls and partitions, were hewed to a level surface in the 
interior, and the interstices, both within and without, carefully secured 
with "chinks" and mortar. A considerable portion of ground, extending 
across and north of Simcoe Street, was fenced in as a garden, while some small 
out-houses occupied a position nearer the bank of the river. Such were the 
modest structures erected by Mr. Robinson ; which were very well adapted 
to the purposes intended. Should any of our fastidious readers 
profess to sneer at their homeliness, as presented in the picture we have 
drawn, we can assure them that at the time of their erection, and for at 
least several years later, they were regarded as first-class houses, and models 
of taste and perfection in the youthful town. 

The few immigrants, who, with their families, remained on "the plains" 
during the winters of 1825-6, constructed such humble dwellings as they 
could, and several of them plied such trades or other avocations as their 
previous habits enabled them to do. One John Boates started a rude 
tavern on the south side of the market square, and adjoining it on the 
east side a log house was erected, in which lived Capt. Armstrong, who 
was engaged by Mr. Robinson, along with Wesley Ritchie, in dispensing 
rations to the immigrants. A John Sullivan, long dead, got a log house 
put up on the south-west corner of George and Charlotte Streets, (south 
corner from Waddel's saddlery,) and kept tavern there. William Oakley, 
an immigrant, started a bakery. After the houses mentioned, the next was 
a house on the south side of King Street, where Mr. Timothy O'Connor 
lived. James Hurley built another east of O'Connor's in the winter of 
1826. 

A small store was opened by a Mr. Stewart in 1825, in a little log house, 
immediately opposite the south side of the market square, and a little 
way from the corner of Charlotte and Water Streets. Mr. Stewart's ideas 
of a small credit business were not such as usually prevail in mercantile 
life. Many of his customers were unknown to him by name, and instead 
of making the usual enquiry in such a case, he not unfrequently trusted to 



17 . 

the accidents of the future to acquire that necessary information. Such 
entries as "a bar of soap, to the woman with the red cloak;" and others 
equally indefinite, were consequently not unusual in his day book. A 
business conducted on such principles could not long be successful ; and 
his little stock was ere long merged in a larger one brought in by George 
Grey Bethune, Esq., of Cobourg, and sold for him under the management at 
first of Mr. Green McDonnell, and afterwards of Mr. Thomas Valentine 
T upper, who afterwards conducted a store for himself on Simcoe Street, 
just east of the creek. The third store was opened by Mr. John Brown, 
of Port Hope, on the corner of Simcoe and Water Streets, subsequently 
occupied by Messrs. Nicholls & Hall, and now by Mr. Robert Patterson, 
as a boot and shoe store. The old frame has, however, been raised, a 
new foundation added, and its condition and appearance otherwise im- 
proved. Mr. Brown's store was opened in 1827, and contained a stock of 
goods which, for the locality, was very creditable. Our informants differ 
as to the value of the stock, which, for a few years, probably did not 
exceed $900 to $1000. This business was managed for Mr. Brown by 
John R. Benson, Esq., still a well-known citizen. 

Meanwhile other buildings were in process of erection. Cotter Lane, a 
shoemaker, and an immigrant, built a frame house on Charlotte Street. 
James Bailey, a North-of-Ireland-man, and not an immigrant, built a house 
on the south-west corner of George and Hunter Streets, afterwards the site 
of Fisher's hotel and now of Mitshell's saloon. Bailey kept tavern here 
in 1826. At this early period in the history of the town, property was of 
course cheap, and real estate comparatively valueless. During the first 
year or two, Mr. Robinson had the disposal of town lots for the Govern- 
ment, the upset price being $30 for a lot of half an acre. In some in- 
stances, these were given away, in lieu of services rendered, and these, as 
well as some of those of which the fee-simple was purchased, exchanged hands 
for the most trifling sums. The now very valuable south-east corner lot of 
George and Hunter streets, (at present occupied by the store of Messrs. 
McKellar & Cameron) and which has been before spoken of as low and 
wet, was offered to Robert Reid, Esq., of Douro, as a gift, but declined, 
from its being regarded as worthless. In 1826 it was purchased for a 
fanning mill, by Mr. Thomas Harper, who subsequently lived on it, and 
manufactured those useful implements in the rear of the premises. 

Alexander Henry, a cooper, built a frame house on Simcoe Street, near 
George Street, in 1827, on the site where the "Farmer's Inn" was after- 
4 



18 

wards erected and still stands. In the same year, James T. Henthorn, 
Esquire, Justice of the Peace, bought from one Falvey, an immigrant, 
the north-east corner of George and Hunter Streets, where he built 
a small house, afterwards converted into an hotel. Henthorn's fine 
block is now too well known to need any further reference. Like many 
other improved portions of the town, it passed through successive stages, 
and the earlier wooden buildings were more than once swept away by 
destructive fires, ere the present buildings adorned the spot. In 1827, too, 
Mr. George Buck built a frame house on the south side of Charlotte Street, 
where the English poplars till recently flourished, and nearly opposite the 
"Globe" tavern on that street. 

The first school-house, a log building, with shingled roof, was erected in 
1826-7, on the ground in the rear of the present Union School building. 
The Rev. Samuel Armour, first Episcopal clergyman in Peterborough, 
conducted this school, in which the higher as well as the lower branches of 
education were successfully taught. This was the foundation of our excel- 
lent grammar school, which ere long received an annual grant of $400 
from the Government towards its support. 

At a period a little later, and about the year 1828, Mr. John Crawford, 
of Port Hope, put up a little frame house, north of Louis McGregor's 
"American Hotel," on George Street, which, soon after its completion, was 
drawn down by the settler's oxen, and located on the north-east corner of 
George and Simcoe Streets, now occupied by Mr. Robert Walton's stove 
and saddler's shop. This valuable corner lot was already purchased 
from Richard Birdsall, Esq., by John Graves, an American, and a wheel- 
wright, for $30, to be paid in waggon and cart-wheels. Graves failed to 
fulfil his share of the contract ; Crawford insisted on holding possession, 
and hence arose the first law-suit of the infant settlement. 

We might mention, in connection with this part of our subject, that 
several of our now leading and wealthy citizens, commenced business, of one 
kind or another, about this time, in very humble occupations, or as assist- 
ants to others in business of very limited extent. That from a small 
beginning, they have risen to wealth and position is creditable, not only to 
themselves, but to the country, which furnishes examples of such substan- 
tial rewards for the industrious and the deserving. 



19 
CHAPTER IV. 



A governor's visit. 

la the preceding pages we have narrated events slightly in advance of 
their chronological order, so as to present in one view the gradual progress 
of the town in its first stage. The reader's mind must go back a year or 
two ere several of the last named buildings were erected, in order to 
realize the exact condition of the town at the period of the visit of His 
Excellency, Sir Peregrine Maitland, which took place in the winter of 
1826, and just one year and a few months after the arrival of the immi- 
grants. 

Very few houses, (and those only of the most common description) 
besides those erected by Mr. Robinson, then existed here. The portion of 
the site of the town then cleared, was still disfigured by stumps, occasional 
brush-heaps, &c. ; and altogether the scene was far from attractive, pre- 
senting but little accomplished in the present, and leaving a very wide 
margin for hope or despair in the undeveloped future. 

His Excellency was accompanied on this occasion by Col. Talbot, 
founder of the Talbot settlement in Western Canada ; by the Honble 
John Beverly Robinson, then Attorney General, afterwards made a Baronet, 
and Chief Justice of Upper Canada at the time of his decease. (Sir John 
was a brother of the Hon. Peter Robinson.) George G. Bethune, Esq., 
and the Hon. Zaccheus Burnham accompanied the party. The journey 
from Cobourg was made in sleighs and across Rice Lake, in the early part 
of the winter season. Passing up through Otonabce, they stayed at 
the house of Captain Rubidge, R. N., for dinner, and on their 
arrival here they were met by Mr. Robinson, Colonel McDon- 
ell, and the chief settlers adjoining the place, and entertained 
in the best manner circumstances would permit, in the log building 
already referred to, where their entertainers resided. The Governor and 
his friends remained a few days, during which they were waited on by 
Captain Rubidge, Robert Rcid, Esq., the Hon. T. A. Stewart, M.L.C., and 
the few other gentlemen in the neighborhood. The central room of the 
government house already described, was used as a reception room, in 
which a sort of rude levee was held. His Excellency was seated at the 
further end, and the settlers, who attended in considerable numbers, were 
presented to him, and then retired by another outlet. The occasion of 
4* 



20 

this visit was seized to present to the representative of Royalty sundry 
loyal and patriotic addresses. In one of these from the " Magistrates, 
Clergy and other inhabitants of the county of Northumberland," the high 
sense of the honor conferred on the Newcastle District and the interest 
shewn by His Excellency in the prosperity of the Province, in this visit, 
was acknowledged in suitable terms. Testimony was also borne to the 
good conduct of the immigrants during their residence at Cobourg, which 
was said to "warrant the expectation of their becoming a valuable acquisi- 
tion to the Province.*" This was the substance of their Address. 

A deputation from "the colony" in Smith, as the settlement there was 
called, was also appointed to Wait upon the Governor, and Mr .Walton Wilson, 
one of the early settlers, undertook to present a verbal address, the general 
terms of which had been previously agreed on. The spokesman had pro- 
ceeded but a little way, when his utterance became confused, and he broke 
down ingloriously. Turning round to Mr. Jacob Bromwell, another set- 
tler, who was one of the deputation, he said : 

" Speak it you sir." 

Mr. Bromwell continued the address to His Excellency, in which the 
difficulties and occasional distress of the settlers were plainly pourtrayed, 
and the absence of milling facilities especially deplored. Wilson had told 
the Governor " We hae a mill, and we hae nee mill," but Bromwell, as a 
practical illustration of the necessity for better accommodation in this 
respect, added : " Save in your presence, Sir, I have to get up at night to 
chew corn for the children" ; a statement, which, no doubt was literally 
true. His Excellency returned a gracious reply, in which he promised 
them assistance ; a pledge which, ere long, he fully redeemed, to the great 
joy of the settlement. 

A written address was presented on behalf of the Irish immigrants by 
Patrick Barragan, a school teacher, by whom it was read. As it is the 
only address from the neighborhood which has been preserved, the former 
one being entirely verbal, and is moreover highly characteristic of the 
people from whom it emanated, we cannot refrain from presenting it 
entire : 

TO HIS EXCELLENCY SIR PEREGRINE MAITLAND, &C, &C, 

" We, the Irish Emigrants recently brought out by Colonel Robinson 
to this country, feel grateful to our gracious good King, and to His Ma- 

* Appendix to Report of Select Committee of 1826, Page 298. 



21 

jesty's worthy, good and humane government, for all they have, and we 
hope yet intend, to do for us." 

"We also are well pleased, and entertain the best wishes for our Worthy 
Chief, Mr. Robinson, for all he has done for us ; and we are fully sensible 
that his fine and humane feelings will not permit him to leave anything 
undone that may forward our welfare." 

" Please Your Excellency, we are totally at a loss for words adequate to 
express the thanks and gratitude we owe Doctor Reade, for his active, 
skillful and unremitting care, &c, of us. We are likewise thankful to, 
and well pleased with, the officers placed over us." 

" Please Your Excellency, we agree very well, and are pleased with the 
proceedings of the old settlers amongst us, as it is in the interest of us all 
to do - the same. And should an enemy have the presumption ever to in- 
vade this portion of His Majesty's dominions, your Excellency will find 
that we, when called upon to face and expel the common foe, will to a man 
follow our brave commanders ; not an Irish soul shall stay behind ; and if 
we have no better weapons in our hands, mow them down with our Irish 
shillelahs." 

" Please your Excellency, we labor under a heavy grievance, which we 
confidently hope your Excellency will redress, and then we will be com- 
pletely happy, viz :— the want of clergymen, to administer to us the com- 
forts of our Holy Religion, and good school-masters to instruct our 
children." 

" We now beg leave to retire, wishing your Excellency long life, good 
health, and every success."* 

"God Save the King." 

The Governor's reply does not appear among the official records, and at 
this remote period, it would be useless to attempt to gather up its precise 
terms from the memories of the survivors to whom it was addressed. It 
was, no doubt, as in the other cases, gracious and encouraging. 

During the brief stay of Governor Maitland on " the plains," he and a 
number of the gentlemen who accompanied him, drove out to see the 
settlement in Ennismore. The Hon. Peter Robinson and Col. McDonell 
acted as their guides on this occasion. Mud Lake was crossed on the ice ; 
and the party put up at the shanty of Mr. Eugene McCarthy, father of 

* Appendix to Report of Select Committee or Brit. Par.— 1826,. page 299. 



22 

Jeremiah McCarthy, Esq., Reeve of Ennismore, where they partook of 
such refreshments as their entertainers could procure. 

During the same season, other addresses, numerously signed, from the 
various townships in which the immigrants were settled, and breathing a 
similar spirit of gratitude, loyalty and devotion, were forwarded to the 
Right Hon. Earl Bathurst, Colonial Secretary, to whom they were ad- 
dressed. 

The infant settlements around Peterborough were greatly cheered and 
encouraged by this visit of the Governor General, proving as it did, the 
paternal care of the government, and the interest felt in the success and 
well-being of these hardy settlers. Not only was the moral effect beneficial, 
in increased confidence and hope, but its practical and material results 
were of the most gratifying character, as the sequel will show. 

It was soon after, that at a meeting of a few gentlemen residing in the 
vicinity, the name of " Peterborough" was selected for the future town, 
in compliment to the Hon. Peter Robinson, to whose exertions in promo- 
ting the settlement of the neighboring townships they felt so much indebted. 
The selection was at once ratified by general consent, and " Scott's plains" 
ere long ceased to be associated with the prosperous town. Before the 
opening of the next season, (the spring of 1826) it was announced that 
the government had undertaken the cost of the erection of a mill within 
the limits of the town, and tenders were asked for this work as well as for 
the construction of the necessary mill dam. Mr. Thomas Harper was ■ 
among those who tendered on this occasion, but the contract was awarded 
to Mr. Horace Perry, and the work immediately commenced. The site 
chosen was the site of the mill recently burned, on the property of Samuel 
Dickson, Esq., and the building of late years known as Dickson's mill the 
one then erected, with additions and improvements. The dam was built 
in the Autumn of 1826, and the saw and grist mill in the Spring follow- 
ing. 

To erect so large a frame as that of the grist mill, was at that time, a 
matter of much difficulty. The settlers within an area of twenty miles 
were called upon to lend their aid, and several of them gave a week's hard 
labor gratuitously, to assist in furthering so desirable a work. The saw- 
mill, adjoining the larger structure, was first put in operation, in order to 
supply the necessary lumber, and was also a great boon to the new settle- 
ments. 

The grist mill, which contained two run of stones, was completed in 



23 

1827, and was immediately offered for sale by the government and pur- 
chased by John Hall, Esq., (now of Buckhom) and Mr. Moore Lee, who 
continued to run it in partnership for several years. 

While this great work was in progress, a bridge was built across the 
Otonabee chiefly by government aid, which was completed about the same 
time as the mill, and by the same contractor, Mr. Horace Perry, 
A plan of this bridge may still be seen in the Town Clerk's office. 
It was supported by three piers, triangular in shape, with the apex 
pointing up the stream, and occupied very nearly the site of the present 
structure. After the destruction of this bridge, the Otonabee was crossed at 
this point by means of a large scow, sustained in the current by a long rope 
or cable, to one end of which it was attached, while the other was secured 
to a point on the bank at some distance above. By a proper application of 
the helm, the current was made to transport the scow from one bank to the 
other, a reversal of ifs position after each crossing, being all that was 
required. A second bridge- was soon after built chiefly by public subscrip- 
tion. 

At this period, and before the erection of a dam at the locks below the 
Little Lake, the river was shallow, and easily fordable during the summer 
season, by persons on foot, opposite the old steamboat landing, contiguous 
to the old steam mill of Messrs. Shaw & Fortune before referred to. 

From the date of the erection of the mill, the prosperity of the town 
and the success of the adjoining settlement were fully assured. " The 
plains" were rapidly converted into a busy and prosperous village, while 
the enlarged clearings, and the rapidly increasing produce of the harvest, 
raised the new settlers from the struggles of a precarious existence to one 
of comparative affluence. 

CHAPTER V. 



During the winter of 1827-8, a surplus of wheat was grown; about five 
thousand bushels of which were sold to the store-keepers in Peterborough.* 
During the summer of 1827 as many as twenty new frame houses were 
erected, a tannery, a distillery, and other useful branches of business were 
in operation or projected, and indications of progress and prosperity 
appeared on every hand.f 



* Capt. Rubidge's Letter to Capt. Hall, " Travels m N. America," 1829. Page 337. 
t Ibid. 



24 

Doctor Reade having fulfilled his engagement in reference to the immi- 
grants, withdrew after their location on their lands. Dr. Dowslcy soon 
after located himself here, and was followed by Dr. Roddy, but he was ere 
long superseded by Dr. Hutchison, who had been for some time practising 
in Cavan, and was induced to settle in Peterborough about the year 1830. 
He was a man of much ability, and deservedly esteemed. Dr. Taylor 
came in at a later period, and was for sometime associated with Dr. 
Hutchison in a co-partnership. By this time the little log store kept by 
Mr. James Gray Bethune, south of the market square, had been superseded 
by the frame building, known as "the red store," erected on the comer of 
Charlotte and Water streets, where it still stands, and forms the end of a 
long row of wooden houses, the property of Edmund Chamberlin, Esq. ; 
but it is now no longer "red". Peterborough was then supplied by a weekly 
mail, and the post office was kept in this building, in connection with Mr. 
Bethune's store, the whole being managed, as formerly stated, by Mr. 
Thomas Valentine Tupper. Mr. James B. Ferguson, (brother of Frede- 
rick Ferguson, Esq.,) was subsequently appointed postmaster, and the 
office was kept by him in a small square frame building with a cottage 
roof, just south of the red store, to which it was attached, and may be 
recognized as forming an addition to the rear of the corner building. Its 
size is about 10 by 16 feet, and the door and one small window still look 
towards the river, as in former days. It may not be out of place to add 
that this part of Water street then contained the residences of the principal 
persons in Peterborough, and was for many years after, the leading thorough- 
fare. Dr. Hutchison lived in the cottage built by Adam Scott, before re- 
ferred to, as now the oldest house in Peterborough. Another medical gen- 
tleman at a later date, lived in the larger frame house with wings at either 
end, just north of the cottage, and the large frame house on the river bank 
opposite, was occupied more recently by a respected member of the legal 
profession, — so that although this portion of the town is now dilapidated 
and its glory quite departed, yet old associations and memories hallowed 
by time, cluster round it, which we would fain rescue from oblivion. 

The post office was subsequently transferred to the old government house 
before referred to, where it was kept for several years by Ephraim San- 
ford, Esq., who unhappily ended his days in 1843 by suicide, at the 
American hotel, where he was a lodger. Our .present Postmaster, S. J. 
Carver, Esq., succeeded to the office. At some time later and down to the 
year 1856, the post office was kept in a small frame building little larger 



25 

Carver, Esq., succeeded to the office. At some later time and down to the 
year 1856 the post office was kept in a small frame building little larger 
than a shanty on the east side of Queen street, which still exists, unused 
and tenantless. After two further removals, one of which was occasioned 
by the destructive fire of 1861, it was removed to the building it now 
occupies on Water street. 

In 1831, under the administration of Sir John Colborne, Captain 
Rubidge, R. N., was appointed Immigration Agent at Peterborough, and 
located a number of immigrants sent out from various parts of the United 
Kingdom. Most of these were located in Dummer, and will be referred 
to in our future narrative of the settlement of that township. A good 
many were also employed in various capacities by the older residents, or 
located on vacant lots in the former settlements. 

In 1832 the cholera appeared on this continent, and penetrated as far 
even as Peterborough, where the prospect of its approach created a, good 
deal of alarm. There can be no doubt but that, as in all visitations of 
this kind, many died from fear and alarm at the approach of the disease. 
One prominent example of this kind is still remembered in the person of 
Mr. Silas Pearson, a strong robust farmer, residing on the shore of Mud 
Lake, about ten miles from Peterborough. At the first mention of the 
disease he took to bed in a state of mortal fear, and when the cholera did 
arrive was one of the first victims. The population of Peterborough at 
that time was under five hundred, and yet twenty-three deaths occurred 
from this disease.* The township of Douro happily escaped without a 
single death, while in that of Dummer, lying beyond it and further in the 
interior, eleven persons died from this fatal epidemic. f A few deaths also 
occurred in Otonabee, and the other townships adjoining Peterborough. 

During the following year, (1833) the first member of the legal pro- 
fession found his way to Peterborough. This was Elias Burnham, Esq., who 
has held a conspicuous place, from time to time, not only at the bar, but 
in the management of the political, educational and municipal affairs of 
the town and county. His extensive block fronting on the market 
square, and other properties, entitle him to rank among our most wealthy, 
as he has long done, among our leading citizens. 

The second legal gentleman resident in Peterborough was J. 
Shuter Smith, Esq., now M. P. P. for East Durham, and long a resident 

* Col. Strickland's '-Twenty-seven yoars in Canada West." Vol. If, page 201. 
f Ibid. Page 202. 

5 



26 

of Port Hope. His stay was scarcely protracted beyond a year. Stafford 
Kirkpatrick, Esq., became a resident of Peterborough in 1834, and since 
then we have had a long list of members of the bar, some of whom have 
held, or still hold, distinguished positions among the legal fraternity. 

About this period, the religious element comes into prominence. Be- 
sides the Episcopal and Roman Catholic churches, the pastors of which 
had arrived at a previous date, clergymen of several other denominations 
appeared in Peterborough, and formed the nucleus of churches and socie- 
ties which have since largely increased, and now represent important 
interests in the community. It has been thought best to devote a special 
chapter to the churches of Peterborough, and for convenience sake, this 
has been deferred to a future page. 

We gladly insert in this place, the following communication, containing 

reminiscences and personal experiences of the writer, well worthy of 

insertion in a work like this : — 

Peterborough, October 29th, 1866. 

"Although to look back to the time of my settlement in Peterborough, 

it seems but as yesterday, yet thirty-three long years have elapsed since 

then. What a long period to look back upon, and to count the various 

events and changes which have taken place within it !" 

" Well do I remember the evening that I first landed in Peterborough. 
It was late in November, in the year 1833 ; but it was indeed a lovely 
day, and the night was equally so : calm and still, and beautifully moon- 
light. I remember standing that evening on the very ground where now 
stands the Commercial Bank building, (north-east corner of Water and 
Hunter streets.) It was then in a state of nature, as was all that part of 
the town lying east of Water street, north of Hunter street, south of 
Aylmer street, and south of King street, with the exception of here and 
there, perhaps, some small house or shanty, few and far between. And 
within the limits indicated, the buildings were also few and insignificant. 
At that time, property was worth very little. A park lot was not worth 
much over £15, unless in a very few exceptional instances. On the west 
side of George street, and between Simcoe and Hunter Streets, there were, 
if I recollect right, only two decent houses ; one on the south, where Mr. 
Sanford kept a , store, and one on the north, where Mr. Bailey kept a 
tavern. All that ground on which Mrs. Dixon's block of three-story brick 
buildings now stands, with the exception of the small part occupied by the 
store and a small dwelling house adjoining, was then used for a garden. 



■ ■ - ' K <■ 



27 

And the same may be said of the remainder of the land up to Hunter 
street. On the cast side of the street the buildings were about the same. 
And this was, at that time, about the best part of the town. The hotel, 
par excellence, was then kept near the bridge, by a man of the name of 
McFadden. Very few people who were in Peterborough when I first 
settled in it are here now. They have nearly all gone to 'that bourne 
from whence no traveller returns.' " 

" The country parts were quite in keeping with the town. Scarcely 
any roads, few settlers, and mostly a wilderness. Provisions were imported 
instead of being exported ; and a journey then from the front, with a loaded 
team, occupied the best part of two days. People at this time can scarcely 
realize the difficulties, the trials and hardships of those early settlers; and 
when I look back to them, and to the many long, wearisome journeys 
which I have been compelled to make to and from the front, — through 
paths only cut out through the woods, — through mud and mire, — over long 
swamp roads, badly provided with logs, which were often floating in the 
deep water, and across which I and my horse passed with danger and 
difficulty, my journey oftentimes extending far into the dark night, — it 
seems now a wonder, how I ever performed them, and how I ever lived 
through them. Truly, indeed, the progress both of town and country 
since that day is almost incredible." 

" I often think of those early times, and yet, with all their hardships, 
I sometimes think they were pleasanter than the times are now. But I 
suppose this was a good deal owing to circumstances. There were no 
politics here during those days. Every body was sociable and friendly. 
People were too glad to see one another to quarrel over matters of mere 
opinion. I often wished, as I was toiling along to and from the front, over 
the bad roads, that the time would come when I would have a good turn- 
pike road to travel upon, and I thought, if I only had that, I would be 
satisfied. I got that, then a good macadamized road ; and last, but not 
least, a railroad. Now, instead of taking from early in the morning till 
late at night to go to the front, weary and hungry, and often wet and 
cold, I can go in a comfortable railway car in a couple of hours. Truly, I 
have witnessed great changes in both town and country since I came to 
live in Peterborough." B. 

About the year 1832-3, a couple of small steamers, the Pemedasli and the 
Northumberland were placed on Rice Lake, and thenceforward for many 
years these or other steamboats continued to ply daily between Rice Lake 



28 

and Peterborough. About that year the great project was conceived of 
rendering navigable the chain of waters from the Bay of Quintc to Lake 
Simcoe; and in November, 1833, N. H. Baird, Esq., civil engineer, to 
whom had been 'entrusted the survey and estimates for such a work, 
reported in reference to that portion between the Bay of Quinte and Rice 
Lake. We need not quote these estimates, as they arc to be found in the 
Appendices to the journals of the House of that period, and are easy of 
reference. Suffice it to say, that the total estimated cost of this portion 
was, £233,447 6s. lid. In December, 1835, Mr. Baird reported in 
reference to rendering navigable the rivers and lakes through which the 
Otonabee flows, so as to afford continuous water communication between 
Rice Lake and Lake Simcoe. The total cost of which was estimated at 
£262,067 16s. 4d., and for the entire distance, of 165 miles, between 
the Bay of Quinte and Lake Simcoe, including lockage, £495,515. 

A committee of the Legislature recommended the construction of the 
upper section to be proceeded with, and important works were undertaken 
and completed at several points. Below Rice Lake, £90,000 were ex- 
pended. The locks at Whitlaw's rapids, just below Peterborough, were 
completed, and considerable sums expended in improving the navigation of 
the river between Rice Lake and that place. The locks at Bobcaygeon 
were undertaken as early as 1833-4, by Messrs. Pearse, Dumble and 
Hoar, contractors, for £1600 currency,* but owing to the unsettled state 
of the country, ending in the outbreak of 1837, and the union of tlie two 
Provinces which followed, the attention of the Government was withdrawn 
from this work, and the intermediate links of the connection have never 
been even commenced. The following gentlemen at the time acted as 
"Commissioners for superintending the improvement of the navigation of 
the Newcastle District," viz. : — J. G. Bethune, Robert Brown, John Hall, 
Thomas Need, and A. McDonell, Esquires. 

As an illustration of the homely fare and simple habits of some of our 
people, even during the second ten years of settlement, and in contrast 
with the luxury and ample store of the present time, it may be mentioned, 
that during Mr. Baird's survey of our inland waters in 1833) he and his 
party called at a farm house near Rice Lake for dinner. A large pot of 
potatoes was boiled and emptied on the table, and a handful of salt 
added in close proximity. At the conclusion of the meal, the chief of the 
party called for the bill, and was informed by the host that the charge was 

* Appendix to Journals of the House. 1833-4. 



29 

"sevenpeuce ha'penny for the officers and saxpence for the men." The 
bill was paid and the party retired, greatly amused at the discriminating 
value which was placed upon their humble fare. 

In 1834, Sir John Colbornc, Governor of Upper Canada, visited Peter- 
borough, and after a brief stay, was accompanied through Otonabee, on 
his return, by a mounted escort, to Major Charles Anderson's, from 
which place he crossed Rice Lake in one of the steamers then navigating 
those waters. 



CHAPTER VI. 



THE PETERBOROUGH MILITIA IN 1837-8. 

As the time approached when the refusal of the demands of the Upper 
Canadian Legislature for Administrative reform, were about to produce 
armed resistance to the Government, the country was flooded, first with 
petitions for signature demanding redress, and then with patriotic appeals 
inciting the people to assert their just rights, and force from an unwilling 
Government the concessions so urgently needed, and since that day so 
completely granted. The occasion of township meetings and other gather- 
ings, were very generally turned to account for the distribution and dis- 
cussion of these documents, and even our own inland and then comparatively 
remote settlements, were not forgotten by the emissaries or friends of the 
agitators. But in the County of Peterborough, there were few who, 
openly sided with the movement, and when the moment of danger arrived, 
the population, with rare unanimity, rushed to arms in the defence of the 
Government. 

During the winter of 1836, several of our people took part in an adven- 
ture which is worth narrating. Mr. William Lyon McKenzie had called 
a meeting of his friends and sympathisers, in the court house, at 
Cobourg, or Amherst, as it was then called, which, on learning its objeet, 
the loyalists in the surrounding country, determined to frustrate. To avoid 
exciting suspicion of their design, a grand ball was convened at the gov- 
ernment house, Peterborough, which was largely attended, and as the 
night began to wane, the leaders announced their wishes and intentions, 
and with sleighs in readiness, they started for the front. In Monaghan 



30 

and Cavan they were joined by reinforcements, and at Bloomfield, George 
Elliott, Esq., a Major in the militia, and afterwards M. P. P. for the county 
of Durham joined them on horseback, and was recognized as their leader. 
On approaching the court house at Amherst, they found that their friends 
in the vicinity had secured possession of the building, locked the doors, 
and were signalling them with handkerchiefs from the windows. A large 
crowd, among whom was McKenzie, was without, threatening violence if 
ldnger refused admittance. Major Elliott, on horseback, closely followed 
by a long line of sleighs, in compact order, dashed up between the crowd 
and the court house steps, interposing a wall which, to attempt to force, 
was seen to be useless. An attempt was then made by the agitators to 
hold an open air meeting, but it was subjected to constant interruptions. 
Among more discordant sounds, a bugler was mounted on a wood-pile, and 
ordered to play "the rogue's march," and other tunes supposed to be appro- 
priate to the occasion. Mr. Mackenzie at one time was threatened with 
violence, and found it necessary not only to abandon the meeting, but to 
secrete himself until he could accomplish a safe retreat from the village. 

During the first days of December, 1837, the proclamation of His 
Excellency Sir Francis Bond Head, calling out the militia of the Province 
to assist in suppressing the rebellion which had just broken out, was pro- 
mulgated in Peterborough, and within less than 24 hours, nearly two 
hundred volunteers, armed and equipped as best they could, started for 
the frontier, under command of Colonel McDonell, accompanied by 
Captain Cowall. Along the route of their inarch to the front, they 
were joined by other companies under their local officers, and when 
they arrived at Port Hope, they found several other bands of loyalists there, 
which swelled the numbers of the little army to about one thousand strong. 

The loyalty and devotion thus shewn by all classes, in every part of the 
country, was a tribute unmerited by the Government of that day, but was 
not the less honorable and praiseworthy on the part of those who offered 
it, Many of these noble volunteers left their homes and families at a 
moment's notice, and under the most trying circumstances. At that season 
of the year preparations for the coming winter were far from completed. 
Few had yet provided their winter's wood, and many left their families 
with but a scanty store of provisions ; so that, had their absence been 
protracted, as seemed in every way probable, many of their loved ones must 
have suffered severely from cold and hunger. The trials of the hour were 
increased by the arbitrary measures and unnecessary severity exercised by 



some of those who thus found themselves '-'clothed with a little brief 
authority." Men who happened to be at a little distance from their homes 
were refused permission to visit their families to effect a change of clothing, 
or make even the most temporary arrangement of their affairs. If they 
demurred, they were threatened with imprisonment or confiscation of their 
properties. Such were the circumstances under which many of our brave 
people turned out in 1837, abandoning their homes and their families, in 
the depth of winter, to fight, perhaps to die, for the country they had 
adopted as their home ! What must have been their feelings as they 
trudged along the weary way to meet the foe, as they thought of their 
own poor equipment, the dangers which awaited them, and the trying cir- 
cumstances in which their families might be placed before they could 
return, — if ever they did return ! 

Men who could make such sacrifices are deserving of double honor ; 
and though their campaign was a bloodless one, they have, by their acts, 
achieved a fame of which the people of any country might be proud, and 
which posterity will not forget. 

On the organization of the militia of the county, which took place some 
time before the breaking out of the rebellion, about 250 stand of muskets, 
with flint locks, and the usual bayonets, had been sent to Peterborough. 
These were served out to the volunteers, but the greater portion were 
armed with their own guns or rifles. Prepared ammunition was not to be 
had, and considerable ingenuity was shewn by several of the militia in 
making cartridges ; while most had to supply themselves with balls or large 
sized shot before leaving home. One of the new muskets was carried on 
the march for a day or two before it was discovered to have no touch-hole 
and was consequently useless for present purposes. 

Arrived at Port Hope, the steamer Traveller was anxiously looked for 
as affording the most speedy and convenient means of reaching Toronto, 
but she passed by on her downward trip without entering the port, although 
guns were fired and other signals made to attract attention. Just before 
setting out from Port Hope, on foot, for the capital, a despatch was re- 
ceived, intimating that as the rebels were dispersed, the services of the 
militia were unneeded, and permitting them to return to their homes. A 
detachment was, however, sent into the county of Victoria, to scour the 
townships in the neighborhood of Lindsay, under the impression that the 
rebel chiefs might possibly attempt to escape through the country in that 
direction. Some ludicrous scenes took place among these impromptu 



32 

soldiers, and not a few persons were subjected to annoyance by proceeding*- 
altogether arbitrary and unwarranted. An old man proceeding through 
Smith with a few bundles of hay as provender for his stock, was detained 
on the road at the suggestion of one of the company, humorously offered, 
that his load might possibly conceal a rebel. The team and vehicle were 
surrounded by a guard, bayonets thrust here and there into the load, and 
only after a most careful reconnoisance, he was allowed to pass on his way, 
wondering much no doubt at the adventure which had befallen him. 

AYithin a fortnight after these events, and in conseqence of the occupa- 
tion of Navy Island by insurgents and American sympathizers, orders 
were received for the dispatch of a battalion from the Newcastle District, 
to proceed westward on active service.* The militia of the various town- 
ships of this county, under command of Col. Brown, at once mustered in 
strong force, and marched without delay to Toronto. This battalion was 
chiefly composed of the militia of the townships of Otonabee, Douro, 
Dummer and Asphodel, and marched into Peterborough, under the oflicers 
of their several companies, to the number of 800 strong, f After billet- 
ing round for a night, as best they could, they were drawn up next morn- 
ing in front of Col. Brown's quarters in Ashburnham, and a selection 
made of 350J of the most active, to the greater number of whom muskets, 
haversacks and cartouch boxes were served out, and then, vacant offices of 
companies having been filled up, by persons named by Col. Brown, they 
commenced their march for the frontier. The remainder of the battalion 
was left behind as a reserve under command of Col. Crawford. || 

The men under Col. Brown proceeded 17 miles the first day and halted 
for the night at Mr. Joseph Graham's tavern in Cavan. The second day's 
march brought them to Mr. Bletcher's tavern, three miles in the rear of 
Port Hope, and on the third day, notwithstanding some delay for the pur- 
chase of necessary articles in Port Hope, they found themselves 16 miles be- 
yond that place on the Toronto road. Here the magistrates gave in charge 
a prisoner — an American — charged with using seditious language, who 
next day jumped from the sleigh in which he rode, ran into the woods, 
and attempted to conceal himself beneath a log, but was re-captured, and 
with several other prisoners subsequently taken, was conveyed to Toronto. 



* Col. Strickland's ''Twenty seven years in Canada."— Page 264. 
t Letter from Col. Brown to the author, July.— 1860. 
J Ibid. 
II [bid. 



33 

At Highland Creek there were strong rumors of rebels in the vicinity, 
in consequence of which they were kept out in scouting parties during 
the greater portion of the night. The roads were in a very unfavorable 
condition ; and not till late in the evening of the fifth day did they reach 
Toronto. Here they were at once billeted in comfortable quarters, and 
after a day's rest, passed a most favorable inspection, and were warmly 
complimented for their gallantry and patriotism by Sir Francis Bond 
Head. 

Soon after, a new battalion, known as the " Queen's Own," was' formed 
from the several battalions then in Toronto, and was officered by men 
chosen from the officers of these battalions. Adjutant Bentley was at its 
head. Col. Kingsmill was next in authority, and Col. Brown became 
Major of the new Battalion. The supernumerary men were permitted to 
return to their homes, and those selected to join the Queen's Own, re- 
mained on frontier duty until the May following, when they were dis- 
charged, and the battalion disbanded. Col. Brown, who took so promi- 
nent a part in the militia movements at this time, was a gentleman who 
after a period of service in the 21st Royal Scotch Fusileers came to reside 
in the vicinity of Peterborough, as an agriculturalist, in the year 1830, 
and was appointed by Sir John Colborne to the rank of Lieut. Colonel of 
the battalion known as the 4th Northumberland Fusileers, which he had 
assisted to organize, and which was mainly composed^of men Trom the 
townships already mentioned. 

We had hoped to be able to insert in this brief record of that period, 
the names of those brave men in this county, who at the call of the 
authorities, abandoned their homes and their families, in the depth of 
winter, to assist in maintaining the authority of Government, and putting 
down armed bands of insurgents, but in the absence of official muster- 
rolls, were we to trust to the mere memories of individuals, many worthy 
names might possibly be overlooked, and, through fear of injustice being 
done by inserting a partial and incomplete list, we have been reluctantly 
obliged to forego the pleasure of inserting any, except those residing in 
Dummer, which will be mentioned in connection with that township. But 
if the names of more of these men do not appear, not the less will be 
remembered the proud record of the Peterborough Militia of 1837 
and 1838, which will be handed down in the records of the country, as a 
brilliant chapter in the history of the past and a bright example worthy of 

imitation in the future. 

6 



34 

In consequence of the expedition directed against Prescott in the 
autumn of 1838, which terminated with the battle of the Windmill, and 
threatened attacks upon other points of the frontier, permission was sought 
and obtained to organize a force in this county, which was known as the 
7th Provisional Battalion of Peterborough. This force, composed of 
volunteers from the militia of the county, was brought together in Novem- 
ber, 1838, and continued in Peterborough undergoing drill, and the other 
duties of active service during the six months terminating in May, 1839, 
when they were discharged and returned to their homes. The 7th Provi- 
sional Battalion of Peterborough consisted of six companies of fifty men 
each, and was under the command of Col. Alexander McDonell, but the 
actual duties of command were in great part performed by Major Cowall. 
The following is a list of the promotions and appointments to office in this 
Battalion, with the date of rank of the several officers. The official 
announcement is copied from the u Backwoodsman and Peterborough 
Sentinel" of January 11th, 1839. It is as follows : 

Adjutant General's Office, \ 

Toronto, 28th December, 1838. j 

MILITIA GENERAL ORDER. 

His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor is pleased to make the follow- 
ing appointments in the Embodied Militia Force, Seventh Provisional 
Battalion : 

To be Captains — Date of rank. 

Capt. S. F. Kirkpatrick, from the Second 
Northumberland Regiment 12th Nov., 1838. 

Capt. J. C. Boswell, from do 16th do. 

Capt. John R. Benson, do 16th do. 

Lieut. Thomas Murphy, from Second Frontenac 20th do. 

A. S. Fraser, Esq., half-pay Lieut. 42nd Reg't 1st Dec'ber, 1838. 
To be Lieutenants — 

Lieut. S. J. Carver, late Queen's Own.... 20th Nov., 1838. 

Ensign James Ferguson, from Fourth Northum- 
berland 20th do. 1838- 

Samuel Strickland, Gent 25th do. 

George W. Caddy, Gent 1st Dec'ber, 1838. 

Thomas Need, Gent 1st do. 

To be Ensigns — 

Wheeler Armstrong, Gent 25th Nov., 1838. 



35 

George B. Hall, Gent 15th Dec, 1838. 

George Lowe, Gent 15th do 

Ensign Robert Brown, late of Queen's Own.... 15th do 

Charles P. llubidge, Gent 15th do 

To be Adjutant, with the rank of Captain — 

Lieut. J. G. Armour, late of the Queen's Toronto 

Guards, 20th Nov., 1838. 

To he Pay-Master — 

W. H. Wrighton, Esq., subject to his finding 

sufficient security.., 10th Dec'ber. 

To be Surgeon — Surgeon J. Hutchinson, from Second 

Northumberland, 20th do 

To be Quarter-Master — Lieut. H. B. Holland, from 

2d Northumberland, 16th Nov., 1838. 

Although the name of the late Richard Birdsall, Esq., does not appear 
in the foregoing list of .officers, it is proper to state that he served, with 
his company, in the capacity of captain during that period ; and had the 
additional merit of having done so without pay. 

For the reasons before stated, in connection with the militia of the 
previous year, we are unable to publish the names of the privates, who 
served on duty during this brief and bloodless, but honorable campaign. 

Among other incidents of this period, it may be mentioned that two 
residents of Ops were brought to Peterborough under arrest, charged with 
disloyalty. They were taken to the log building known as "the Govern- 
ment house," for trial by court martial. While preparations were being 
made for this purpose, a seat was offered them, when Captain M — of the 
militia force, at once interposed in an indignant manner. " No, no," said 
he, "rebels are not worthy to sit among loyal men." The worthy Captain 
forgot that, under British law, men are not to be held as guilty, until their 
offence is proven. Among those holding subordinate authority, there were 
several whose zeal and officiousness outran their discretion. The conse- 
quence was that many well-meaning persons were subjected to needless 
annoyance. But in some instances the arrogance and presumption of 
these persons were not allowed to go entirely unchecked. Mr. Darcus, 
among others, had donned an uniform and spurs, and either for the pur- 
pose of usefully employing the latter, or not relishing a march to the front, 
sent to demand a valuable mare, the property of one of our leading citizens. 
The modest request was promptly refused, when the messenger was gent a 

6* 



36 

second time, with a threat, that if not handed over, the beast would be 
forcibly pressed into the service. The owner replied that if the Colonel 
in command sent a written order for the animal, she would be given up, 
but not otherwise. No such order was issued, nor is it probable the 
superior officer was aware of the means employed by his subordinate to 
furnish himself with a steed. 

Before closing this chapter, it may not be inopportune to remark, for 
the information of some who may read these pages, that the demands of 
Mackenzie and his political friends, antecedent to the rebellion, were for 
reforms the most urgently needed, most of which have been since conceded, 
and the benefits of which have now for many years been enjoyed wider 
what is known as Responsible Government. 

It was a cardinal point in the political creed of the Governor, Sir Francis 
Bond Head, that the people of this colony existed for the Government, 
rather than the Government for the people.* To the carrying out of this 
fallacious theory, the greater portion of the agitation of the country, result- 
ing in open rebellion, may be traced. The Legislative Assembly had 
practically no control in the government of the Province,- — in the disposal 
of its revenues, or in the appointments to office. These latter, were in 
great part confined to the members of a few leading families, their friends 
and partizans, who were paid salaries relatively much higher than those 
enjoyed at present.f 

Mr. McKenzie, by his pen and voice, did much to expose the defects of 
the system of government then in vogue ; and in doing so, more than once 
suffered severely both in person and property. He was five times expelled 
from the House of Assembly on paltry pretexts, and each time promptly 
re-elected with overwhelming majorities, and in spite of all opposition, by 
the intelligent electors of the County of York, who presented him with a 
massive gold medal in acknowledgment of the valuable services he had 
rendered to the country.^ 

The chief demands made by the Reformers of that day were, — That the 
Executive Council should be held responsible to .Parliament, — that the 
control of the revenues of the Province should be placed in the hands of 

* " The Lieutenant-Governor maintains that the responsibility to the people who are already repre- 
sented in the House of Assembly, which the Council assumes, is unconstitutional, and that it is the 
duty of the Council to serve him and not thkm. u S>ir F. B. Head's reply to an address of the Execu- 
tive Council. March 5th, 1836. Appsndix to Journal*; 1839. Vol. 1. page 66. 

t Lindsa> >s Life of Mackenzie. Page 331. 

{ Ibid. 



37 

the Legislative Assembly, — the secularization of the clergy reserves and the 
abolition of exclusive privileges conferred upon particular religious denom- 
inations, — the exclusion of judges and ministers of the gospel from the 
Executive Council and the Legislature — an elective Legislative Council ; 
the abolition of the rights of primogeniture, and some other minor reforms 
made up the list of grievances, which the Imperial Government were not 
unwilling to consider upon their merits, but their good intentions were 
defeated by the blindness and obstinacy of Sir Francis Bond Head, whose 
conduct was at once felt, and declared to be arbitrary and vindictive. 

It must be conceded, however, that Responsible Government was as yet 
only a shadow in the future, and that the system of Colonial Government 
which Sir Francis Bond Head found in vogue in Canada, to some extent 
justified his policy, although, under the circumstances, and with the stren- 
uous opposition which that system had already evoked, persistent adherence 
to it was at once difficult on his part, and dangerous to the colony. 

Among other unjustifiable acts of the Governor, was the dismissal of Judge 
Ridout from the bench, and from the militia, in which he had served with 
honor under General Brock. This was done without the slightest trial or 
investigation, and even without informing the victim of his caprice of the 
reasons for so grave an act. The H orne # Go vera men t reversed the sentence, 
and ordered the Governor to reinstate Judge Ridout in both his offices ; — 
a humiliation to which he refused to submit, and which contributed largely 
to his resignation and recall. 

It will be seen that the very demands then made have long since been 
conceded ; and had the Reformers of 1837 abstained from actual rebellion, 
their conduct in other respects would have entitled them to the plaudits of 
all subsequent times. Lord Durham, in his admirable report on the state of 
the Province in 1839, which led to the union of Upper and Lower Canada 
in the following year, stated that "common prudence and good manage- 
ment would have prevented the outbreak j" and more than hinted that the 
rebellion had been purposely invited by the Government,* for the purpose 
of crushing the leaders of the reform movement. 

The people of Lower Canada were laboring under evils and abuses 
nearly similar ; but while in Upper Canada, an Executive Council, respon* 
sible to the Assembly, was regarded as the true remedy for the grievances 
of the times, the politicians of the Lower Province fancied an elective 

* Lord Durham's report, in Appendix to Journals of the House* Vol, I, page 32. 



38 

Legislative Council would leave them nothing to desire. As Lord Durham, 
stated, "both, in fact, desired the same object, namely, an extension of 
popular influence in the government,"* but pursued a different theory in 
their efforts to attain it. 

The attempt at insurrection was "'as foolishly contrived and ill-conducted 
as it was wicked and treasonable," but now that the passions of the hour 
have had time to subside, some allowance must be made for men goaded to 
desperation by long years of mis-government, in the correction of which 
every moral and constitutional mode of redress appeared to have been 
exhausted. 

This explanation will show why we have stated that the Government of 
that clay ill-deserved the tribute of loyalty and devotion shewn by the 
militia of the Province. The great majority of the people of Canada shrunk 
from open rebellion, and nobly rallied to support the Government, in num- 
bers, and with an enthusiasm worthy of a more deserving Administration. 

Newspapers in those days were not plentiful, and the people of the rural 
districts, actively engaged in warring with the forest, and pre-occupied 
with the stern struggle for existence amid the hardships of the bush, had 
but few sources of general information. A few persons, here and therein 
this county, thus understood and estimated the merits of the questions 
at issue, and when the insurrection came, either held aloof from the prepa- 
rations made to sustain the Government, or sullenly acquiesced in a move- 
ment it would be useless or fatal to resist. In the Newcastle District, 
twelve persons in all were arrested on a charge of sympathizing with the 
rebels, and after a temporary detention were dismissed. Among these 
was Dr. John Gilchrist, afterwards member of Parliament for the county. 



CHAPTER VII. 



TRAININGS AND ELECTIONS. 

During many years the militia of this town and county met annually at 
Major Anderson's, on the north shore of Rice Lake, for the formalities of 
"training," as it was called, which consisted chiefly in answering to the 
muster call of their several companies, forming in double column, and an 

* Ibid. Page 41. 



- 39 

attempt at the first steps in military drill. Drinking and dissipation not 
unusually followed, and formed no small portion of the apparent duties of 
the day. 

Previous to the division of the district, which took place in 1841, a 
great deal of inconvenience and loss of time was occasioned by jurymen 
from all these townships having to attend the sittings of the courts at 
Cobourg ; but the duty was unavoidable, and had to be borne as best it 
could. 

The first election of a representative in the Legislative Assembly of 
Upper Canada, in which much interest was taken in this county, was that 
of 1834. The candidates, we are informed, were Col. Alexander McDonell, 
Dr. John Gilchrist, James Grey Bethune and W. S. Conger, Esquires, the 
latter of whom was then engaged in mercantile life at Cobourg. Colonel 
McDonell was elected. 

The next election was held at Sully, on the south side of Rice Lake, 
in 1836, and was the scene of much excitement. The candidates ,were 
Henry Ruttan, Esq., Col. Alexander McDonell, George M. Boswell, Esq., 
and Dr. John Gilchrist. 

So strong was the feeling here shewn in favor of the candidates from 
Peterborough, that a number of leading conservatives clubbed together, 
and raised a sunken steamer lying in the lower portion of the Otonabee, 
and had her fitted out so as to ply up and down the river for the convey- 
ance of voters. Temporary booths were erected in the vicinity of the 
polling place, where refreshments were served, while here and there, at 
convenient distances, the "free and independent electors" found whole 
barrels of whiskey, standing on end, with the heads knocked out, from 
which they dipped and drank at pleasure. These were evidently "drouthy" 
times, but it must be remembered that the exigency of the occasion was 
great, and that the wants of an entire District had to be supplied. Of 
course some scenes of violence accompanied these copious libations, but 
happily no lives were lost ; and these very excesses no doubt contributed 
to bring about the wise legislation which during the present decade has 
rendered such scenes impossible. The election of 1836 resulted in a 
majority of votes for Col. Alexander McDonell, who was accordingly 
declared duly elected. 

As yet, Peterborough had no printing press, and of course no local news- 
paper. Both of these wants were supplied by John Darcus, Esq., who in 



40 

November, 1837, commenced the publication of the " Backwoodsman 
and Peterborough Sentinel." Judging from some numbers of the 
second volume before us, it was of fair size, technically known as " medium." 
In typography and editorial management, its appearance was creditable, 
and would enable it to compare favorably with the local press of the time. 
The office of publication was a frame building of two stories, on the west 
side of George street, a little south of King, which was in subsequent 
years used as a school house ; and at length becoming dilapidated, fell a 
prey to the incendiary during the winter of 1865-6. Mr. Darcus was a 
prominent character in the local affairs of the time — has already been 
mentioned — and will be referred to again in a future page. 

Up to the period of the Rebellion in 1837-8, the population of Peter- 
borough had materially increased, but the aspect of the town was far from 
attractive to the visitor or the tourist. It was in fact but a large straggling 
village, with huge gaps between the houses, and these were built irregularly, 
with but little regard to symmetry or taste. 

On this part of our subject we have been favored with the following 
communication from an intelligent gentleman who then passed through 
Peterborough, and who is now one of our respected citizens : 

Peterborough, November 2d, 1866. 

" The first time I set my eyes upon the County Town of t\ie present 
County of Peterborough, was about the middle of February, 1838. I 
entered it from the east side of the river, coming through the "Scotch 
Village," now the village of Ashburnham: and crossing the Otonabee on 
the old bridge. It was late in the afternoon, and my companion, the late 
Mr. Thomas Harper, pointed out as we drove along, the chief points of 
interests, and the names of the principal places." 

" In passing through the town, the chief business place appeared to be 
at the corners of Simcoe and George streets. But what struck me most 
was the isolated. appearance of the houses. I do not. remember seeing two 
houses any where adjoining j and the figure I made use of at the time was 
that the houses appeared to be ' sown broad cast.' " 

" On the market square were several log houses, on the site of the present 
market house and town hall. Near the site of the Bank of Montreal was 
a somewhat spacious log building, for several years after used as the Post 
office. The stores were few in number, Messrs. Shaw & Fortune, Charles 
Perry, Robert Nicholls, John Crawford, Holland and Morrow, being the 



41 

only merchants in the town. Their united business would scarcely equal 
that of one of our present business men." 

" There were two grist mills, two saw mills, two distilleries, one brewery, 
one tannery, four churches and one school — the Grammar School — a log 
building in the rear of where the present Union School now stands." 

" The buildings, save the Presbyterian and Episcopal churches, were 
entirely of wood, mostly framed, lathed and plastered inside and out. 
The dwellings were anything but comfortable, there being but the thick- 
ness of two laths and two thicknesses of mortar composing the walls ; the 
least crack in the mortar would allow the air to pass freely in. I imagined 
in all my travels I never found such cold houses as were then in Peter- 
borough." 

" The town appeared to be begun at the south end, as, north of Simcoe 
street there were fewer houses than on the south side. An impression 
prevailed among the settlers that the town was destined to become a great 
place ; that the Otonabee river would be largely utilized for all sorts of 
manufactures ; an opinion requiring a considerable degree of faith on the 
part of a stranger to endorse, being but a backwoods town with the stumps 
all through the streets, and its site on the north side of Hunter street 
covered with pine bushes." 

" The only passable roads were those of George street, Hunter street 
east and Sherbrook street west. On some of the streets the trees were 
growing, and the pine stumps upon others gave indications that the giants 
of the forest had been numerous upon the site of the town." E. 

It has been stated that the population of Peterborough in 1832 was 
five hundred. In 1838, it could not have exceeded eight or nine hundred 
inhabitants, all told. 

The population of the townships which since composed the United • 
Counties of Peterborough and Victoria had by this time so largely 
increased that it was deemed desirable to set them apart as a separate 
district, and this was accordingly done in 1841, under the name of the 
Colborne District. In the meantime a Jail and Court House had to be 
erected at Peterborough, which was at the same time declared the District 
Town. Fortunately the minutes of the proceedings have been preserved, 
and with them the details of the erection of these important structures, 
which will be found in the next chapter. 
7 



42 
CHAPTER VIII 



Daniel Griffith, Esq., 


J. P. 


Thomas Need, " 


a 


Edward Duffy, " 


a 


C. Moe, " 


a 


Edward S. Hickson. 


u 


Robert P. Madge, 


a 


James Wallis, 


a 


Walter Crawford, 


(i 


Robert Dennistoun, 


it 


John Langton, 


a 



ERECTION OF COURT HOUSE AND JAIL. 

On the second day of June, 1838, a meeting of the magistrates of the 
proposed new Colborne District was held at " the Government school house," 
as the minutes term it, for the purpose of naming a Building Committee 
for the erection of the new Court House and Jail, and other matters in 
connection with the same, as provided in the Act passed at a previous 
session of the Upper Canada Legislature. The magistrates present were : 

Thomas Traill, Esq., J. P. 
G. A. Hill, 

Ephraim Sanford, " 

George G. Bird, " " 
Robert Reid, " " 
F. Connin, " " 

J. Hutchinson, " " 
Thomas Carr, " " 
John Darcus, " " 
Thomas A. Stewart, 
A. McDonell., Esq., J. P., M. P. P. 
The 'Hon. T. A. Stewart, M. L. C, was called to the chair, and John 
Darcus, Esq., appointed Secretary of the meeting. On subsequent 
motions, the following gentlemen were appointed officers and members of 
the Building Committee, of whom three were declared a quorum : 

BUILDING COMMITTEE. 

Hon. Thomas A. Stewart, Chairman. 

William H. Wrighton, Esq., Secretary. 

Edward Duffy, " Treasurer. 

Ephraim' Sanford, " 

Robert P. Madge, « 

Edward S. Hickson, " 
On motion of C. Moe, Esq., seconded by E. Duffy, Esq., the Committee 
were restricted to an expenditure of £4,000 on the new buildings, but 
subsequently, on finding that the tenders for the work, offered agreeably to 
the plans adopted, exceeded that amount, a second meeting of the 
magistrates was held, at which, on motion of James Wallis, Esq., seconded 
by R. Dennistoun, Esq., the Building Committee were empowered to pro- 
ceed to the extent of £6,000. 



43 

At the first meeting, the magistrates instructed the Building Committee 
to direct the Clerk of the Peace of the Newcastle District " to add one 
penny in the pound to the Assessment Roll of the proposed District of 
Colborne, for that year, (1838,) pursuant to the Act establishing the said 
proposed District." This rate was subsequently extended by resolution 
over the three following years. The committee was also authorized to 
advertize for plans for the proposed new Court House and Jail, and to pay 
the following premiums for the plans they may deem the best : 

For the 1st., twenty pounds; for the 2d., fifteen pounds; for the 3d., 
ten pounds. 

The Building Committee, at their second meeting, arranged to meet every 
Friday, for. the dispatch of business. They also entered into negociations 
with several of the provincial banks, as well as with private individuals, to 
procure loans of money to carry on the work, until the taxes of the District 
would be available for that purpose. The following are the several sums 
procured by loan or otherwise for this purpose : — 

Commercial Bank, Cobourg, notes of Committee discounted, £1175 
0. Morrow, Esq., loan at 6 per cent, interest, payable half- 
yearly - - - - - - 500 

Hon. John Kirby, do do do 800 

Mrs. Elizabeth Fowler, do do do 741 

Rev. Francis Kirkpatrick, do do do 2350 
Hon. Z. Burnham, Treasurer Newcastle District, ' taxes on 

proposed Colborne District for 1838-9-40, - 1694 3 7| 

These sums, lessened as they were by discount and interest, did not 
suffice for the completion of the buildings, but several of the contractors 
accepted the Committee's debentures for sums varying from £100 to £1000, 
and these, as they matured, were met by the taxes levied on the new 
District in subsequent years. In a short time plans and specifications for 
the new buildings were submitted to the Committee by Joseph Scobell and 
Walter Sheridan, Esquires. That of the former met with most favor, and 
was awarded the first prize, while Mr. Sheridan's entitled him to the second. 
The Hon. T. A. Stewart was then deputed to proceed to Toronto, and 
submit them to the Chief Justice, who confirmed the decision of the Com- 
mittee. Some alterations were afterwards discussed by the Committee, 
and the plans modified, but the one originally approved was finally adopted ; 

and carried out in its general details. Some minor alterations were how- 

7* 



44 

ever made, consisting chiefly of modifications in the interior, by which 
additional space was gained both above and below. They also instructed 
the masons to put in cut stone quoins, arches, base course, jams and window 
sills, not in the original specifications. In excavating for the foundation it 
was found necessary to go double and in some places treble the depth on 
which estimates had been formed.* All this occasioned an additional 
outlay, which exceeded the sum which had been stipulated as the limit of 
their expenditure, but their proceedings were endorsed by the magistrates, 
and met with the entire sanction of that body, as well as of the public. 

The tender of Messrs. Thomas Harper and B. Bletcher for 800 cords 
of stone at 14s. 9d. each, was accepted, provided they furnish all quarried 
stone, and this was agreed to by these gentlemen. 

On the 21st day of August, 1838, John Reid, Esq., P. L. S., reported 
to the Committee in reference to a survey of the Government appropriation 
of ground for a Court house, &c, which consisted in all of seven acres, 
lots Nos. 5, 6 and 7 of which would be required for the intended buildings. 
The foundation had not been excavated, and the grounds were still covered 
with brush and fallen trees, when it became known that His Excellency, 
Sir George Arthur, Lieut.-Governor of Upper Canada, was about to visit 
Peterborough. As it was desirable that the foundation-stone should be 
laid by so distinguished a personage, Mr. Scobell was requested, by reso- 
lution, "to open about six feet of ground," and "have placed on the spot 
one load of stone," to* admit of this ceremony being performed. The 
chairman was instructed to solicit this favor through His Excellency's 
secretary on his arrival, and "should he consent," the Rev. Mr. Wade was 
"to be requested to offer a short blessing on the success of the under- 
taking, "f 

His Excellency cheerfully consented, but his time being limited, the 
Committee met at their room at 6.30 o'clock on the morning of the 25th 
August, 1838, waited upon the Governor at 7, and at 7,30 o'clock A. M., 
His Excellency and suite, accompanied by the Building Committee, pro- 
ceeded to the ground, and in the presence of numerous spectators laid the 
corner stone of the new buildings. The official ceremony over, the Rev. C. 
T. Wade, M. A., offered up an impressive and appropriate prayer. 

* Fourth and last report of the Building Committee, in Appendix to Journal of the ^District Council 
—dated December 20th, 1841. 
f Minutes of Committee, August 21st. 1838. Page 13. 



45 

The following articles were placed by His Excellency beneath the stone, 
in the foundation of the south-west corner.* 

A Parchment Scroll, 
(On which was tastefully engrossed the following:) 

ON THE 25th DAY OF AUGUST, A. D., 1838, 
HIS EXCELLENCY, 

MAJOR-GENERAL SIR GEORGE ARTHUR, K. C. H., 

Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada, 

LAID THE FIRST STONE OP THESE BUILDINGS. 

Then follows the names of the Building Committee, already mentioned 
in full. The following coins were also deposited : 

A British shilling of the reign of George IV., 1829. 
do sixpence do William IV., 1834. 

do penny do do 1831. 

do half-penny do do 1831. 

The lettering of the scroll was executed in elegant style by our towns- 
man, Ivan O'Beirne, Esq. 

Tenders were afterwards received from time to time for the erection and 
completion of the several parts of the Court House building and Jail, the 
entire cost of which, including alterations and extra work, amounted to 
£7190 15 7.f 

During the progress of the work, meetings of the magistrates of the 
proposed district were several times held, to advise with and assist the 
Committee. Towards the close of the work, Ephraim Sanford, Esq., was 
appointed treasurer of the Committee in place of Mr. Duffy, who had 
removed from the Province; and D. Griffith, Esq., was appointed a mem- 
ber of the Building Committee. 

The walls and roofs of the Court House and Jail were completed in 
1839, and the work on the interior of the Court House finished, 
and that building handed over to the Committee by E. Chamberlen, Esq., 
on the 16th day of November, 1840, but not finally accepted by them until 
the May following. The jail was not entirely finished until the summer of 
1842, owing to a defect in the written agreement, by which the contractor, 
Mr. Edward Lee, claimed that the plastering was not included in his 

* Minutes of Committee, August 25th. Page 16. 

t Minutes of Building Committee, Pages 149, 152 and 153. 



46 

contract; and the season of 1841 was so far advanced when this became 
known, that the plastering of the Jail had to be deferred until the following 
spring. 

At length, on the 27th day of December, 1841, after upwards of three 
years of arduous duty, the Building Committee were finally relieved of 
their task. At a meeting of magistrates held that day, their accounts were 
examined and declared correct, and a vote of thanks was tendered " to the 
gentlemen composing the Building Committee, to their Treasurer and 
Secretary, for their indefatigable exertions in carrying the object of their 
appointment to completion." 



CHAPTER IX. 



(1) A SATIRICAL PRODUCTION. 

In the month of August, 1838, after the new Colborne District had been 
provisionally set apart, and during the time the Building Committee were 
engaged in the arrangements for the erection of the Court House and jail, 
a severe and cutting satire upon Peterborough, and a number of its chief 
citizens, appeared in print in the columns of " The Plainspeaker," a small 
sheet then published at Cobourg. It purported to be an advertisement of 
"a sale extraordinary of the Town of Peterborough, to pay the taxes,'' 
and to be held on the first of April following. Although the writer of 
the document in question announced that he would 

' ' Nothing extenuate. 

"Nor set down aught in malice, ?? 

some of his allusions, if reproduced, would be so pointedly offensive to 
many persons still living, who were probably neither better nor worse than 
the average of humanity, that it is better to omit them here. The docu- 
ment is supposed to have been written by Mr. Frederick Forest, then 
residing in Peterborough. The following are samples of this remark- 
able production, which, as may be supposed, attracted much attention at 
the time, and is still referred to with interest by many of our older residents, 
who were familiar with the characters pointed at, whose names or pecu. 
liarities furnished a ready mark for the shafts of the satirist, 



47 

From " The Plainspeaker,"— 1838. 
" It has been reported that this Town is likely to become the Seat of 
Government ! The report can only be traced to the Editor of a con- 
temptible publication, whose total disregard for truth entitles him to no 

credit — 

" Who dares think one tiling and another tell, 
u My soul detests him as the gates of hell." 

11 A Court House and Jail will be built immediately. For the Debtor's 
J ail it is contemplated to erect a high wall all around the town ; — the 
convenience of the inhabitants has been thus consulted, as they will be 
able to continue in their present houses, an advantage they could not 
otherwise long enjoy." 

" The Commissioners of Public Works have appointed a Secretary who 
thinks himself Wright-on all occasions, a point on which, judging from 
appearances, his Employers are not likely to be deceived." 

"About a year since a few Sentinels were established at the expense 
of the inhabitants. It is however to be regretted that they have only 
brought contempt and disgrace on those who had the control of them. As 
they appear to be guided by the motto l Mutare spemo,' their hitherto 
supporters have lost all hopes of their amendment. * * 

Let us do them justice : they were seldom seen off their post — few ever 
having ventured beyond the limits of the town. 

"Another Lawyer is Cumming to settle here — he has had only one case, 
which cannot be better described than in the words of Pope, 
"Thou great first cause, least understood." 

" 'Opposition is the life of Trade.' So think the Magistrates who have 
established two separate Boards of Companies among themselves. Causa 
latet res est notissime. 

"One party is led (query misled) by an individual who has adopted the 

motto of his lowest follower — Q Nunquam hie Moe nisi in dispari. 1 One 

of the same party advertizes Magisterial business gratis, no doubt having 

apportioned the value and the price. From this it will appear that no 

price is fixed for Justice and at no price can it be obtained. 

" It is a tale 
" Told by an Idiot, full of sound and fury, 
" Signifying nothing." 

" Intending purchasers, who cant' well pay without, may borrow money 

on easy terms. The lender, Cant' well, wait for his Interest, having 

little or no principle left. 



48 

(2) ANOTHER IMMIGRATION. 

In the year 1839, Captain Charles Rubidge, R.N., who had been absent 
in England during the greater portion of the two previous years, returned 
to Peterborough, having in charge a body of immigrants, numbering in all 
183 souls, chiefly selected from the estates of Col. Wyndham, in Clare and 
Limerick, in the South of Ireland. The voyage was most prosperous, 
and as the immigrants passed through the country, many of them found 
profitable employment, and the remainder, within a few days after their 
arrival in Peterborough, were absorbed among the people of the surrounding 
townships ; and having found temporary occupation, many of them after- 
wards became owners of land, on which they or their families still reside. 

(3) THE ELECTION OP 1841. 

The election of 1841 is memorable not only as being one of the first 
after the union of the Provinces, and the first held within the new District 
of Colborne, then only provisionally set apart from the Newcastle District ; 
but also for a scene of violence rarely exceeded among these exciting con- 
tests in the past, and under our present judicious election law, it may be 
presumed, quite impossible in the future. 

The election for the new provisional District, which then embraced what 
is now the Counties of Peterborough and Victoria, was held in Peterbo- 
rough, and had its head quarters at White's Hotel, situated just east of 
George Street, in the southern part of the town*, where the poll was 
opened by Captain Frazer, the returning officer. The candidates were : 

Colonel Alexander McDonell, 
Frederick Ferguson, Esq. 
Dr. John Gilchrist. 

The former of these gentlemen appeared in the conservative and the 
latter in the reform interest. As the election progressed, it became evident 
that Dr. Gilchrist would be elected, and a plot was at once formed to 
break up the election, so as to prevent his legal return. The conspirators, 
who are now well known, and rank among their number several of our 
respectable citizens, met in a tavern (since burnt down) on the flat space 
just above the western extremity of the Otonabee bridge, and there arranged 



* This hotel was situated contiguous to Day's Brewery, and was then a leading public house, and a 
place of fashionable resort. Both it and the brewery were burned to the ground, during the summer 
of 1866, but the brewery had long ceased to be used for any purpose, and the hotel has be«nforaome 
years occupied as a private residence. 



49 

their plans. A gentleman, well known in both town and county, but 
whose name, for obvious reasons, we forbear to specify, was then acting as 
constable and door keeper of the room in which the poll was being held, 
and was aware of their designs. They were to approach in a body ; the 
door keeper was to make a show of resistance, and be knocked down, with 
his own consent. In the melee which would follow, the poll-book was to be 
seized and destroyed, and thus the opposing party would be deprived of 
the only legal evidence of the election of their candidate. 

The room was full of people, among whom were the candidates and their 
agents, when the conspirators stealthily approached. On reaching the 
room, a tierce show of fight was made, amid which the guardian of the 
peace rolled over as if smitten by a thunderbolt. The books of the check 
clerks and other papers were speedily seized, but the presence of mind of 
the Returning Officer defeated their design. On the first alarm, he quietly 
slipped the poll-book beneath his coat, where it remained secure. Whether 
from accident or otherwise, Dr. Gilchrist received a blow upon the head 
with a stick, from which, however, he speedily recovered. 

. But though thus baulked in their design, some of the more daring and 
reckless pursued the game still further. The Returning Officer then 
occupied a room at White's, and on his going out in the evening to dine 
with a friend, his apartment was entered, and a valise cut open, in hopes 
of finding the coveted poll-book within. But Captain Fraser, as if antici- 
pating their design, had taken the precious document with him, and 
retained it in his possession, so that this second attempt failed as igno- 
miniously as fh*j first. As not one of the parties implicated in this outrage 
would now attempt to justify or even palliate it, we may spare them the 
censures such conduct so justly deserved. Besides, their leader passed 
away from the excitemeuts of earth during the present year, (1866), and 
the survivors have no doubt sufficiently regretted acts committed during 
the heat of excitement, and when carried away by the passions of the 
hour. 

The election of 1841 resulted in the selection, by a considerable majority, 
of Dr. John Gilchrist, as member of Parliament for the new Colborne 
District, which position he continued to fill during the next four years. 



50 
CHAPTER X. 

THE NEW COLBORNE DISTRICT. 

On the 14th day of October, 1841, the proclamation formally establish- 
ing the Colborne District, was issued, by command of Sir Richard Downes 
Jackson, K. C. B., who was for a time Administrator of the Government 
after the death of Lord Sydenham. The following townships were 
embraced in the new District, the first eleven of which are included in 
the County of Peterborough : 

Belmont, Methuen, Burleigh, Dunimer, Asphodel, Otonabee, Douro, 
North Monaghan, Smith, Ennismore, Harvey, Verulam, Emily, Ops, 
Fenelon, Mariposa, Eldon, Bexley, Somerville. 

Early in the following year (1842) one or more District Councillors were 
elected from each township, and these met at the Court House in Peter- 
borough, for their first session, on Tuesday, February 8th, 1842. 

George Arundel Hill, Esquire, of Dummer, was appointed by the Gov- 
ernment to preside as Warden over the deliberations of the new Council ; 
and continued to act in that capacity up till the close of the year 1846. 

The following are the names of the gentlemen composing this first 
council and the townships from which they were elected : 

George A] Hill, Esq., Warden. Councillors — Thomas Harper, Esq., 
Monaghan ; Stephen Nichols, Esq., Smith ; Smithin D. Gibbs, Esq., 
Douro ; ThosCarrand James Doris, Esq'rs, Otonabee; Richard Birdsall, 
Esq., Asphodel ; Josias L. Hughes, Wm. Cottingham, Esq'rs, Emily ; 
Francis Kelly, Esq., Ops ; John Langton, Esq., Fenelon ; Thomas Need, 
Esq., Verulam and Harvey ; Daniel Costello, Esq., Ennismore; Samuel 
Davidson, Esq., Mariposa ; Alex. Campbell, Esq., Eldon ; Alex. Kidd, 
Esq., Dummer. 

Officers of the Council. — John Darcus, Esq., Clerk; Dr. John 
Gilchrist, Treasurer ; James Hall, and Robert Reid, Esq'rs, Auditors ; 
G. B. Hall, Esq., Solicitor, &c. 

Road Surveyors. — John Reid, Thomas J. Dennehy, Richard Birdsall, 
George Hughes, Edward Caddy, James W. Dunsford, Alex. Campbell, 
Charles Britton, and James Bird, Esquires. 

At the end of one year, one-third of these councillors retired by ballot, 
and another third at the end of the second year, their places being sup- 



51 

plied by a now election. At the end of the third year the third first 
elected retired, and in each subsequent year the third then longest in office 
withdrew ; so that one- third of the councillors only were elected each 
year. The machinery of the District Council thus organized continued 
in force until 1850, in the beginning of which year the basis of the present 
Municipal System was laid, which, with various trifling modifications, still 
continues in force. It was then, (in 1850,) that township councils were 
instituted, and the management of local affairs placed entirely in the hands 
of the people in each township, who have since had entire control, through 
their local councillors, of the levying of taxes, the improvement of roads, 
and all other necessary expenditure. The County Council is composed of 
the Reeves or presiding officers of the several township councils, and 
is empowered to levy certain taxes for county purposes. Thus the entire 
direct taxation of the country is levied by the county and township coun- 
cils, and expended under their auspices ; statements in reference to the 
receipts and disbursements of which are published annually, so that what- 
ever taxation exists is levied directly by the people through their repre- 
sentatives, chosen yearly to manage their affairs. 

In connection with each township will be found a list of the gentlemen 
who have been successively District Councillors for that township, and 
also the names of those who by virtue of their position as Reeve or head 
of each Township Council, have had seats in the County Council, and 
collectively formed that Council during the same period. 

The population of the several townships composing the County of 
Peterborough in 1841 was as follows: — Otonabee 1931, North Monaghan, 
(including the town) 1620, Smith 1349, Douro 856, Dummer 868, 
Asphodel 551, Belmont 115, Ennismore 279, and Harvey 50. 

The estimate of the liabilities of the entire new District for the year 
1842, including interest on the jail debt, did not exceed $6000 for all 
purposes. These were times of comparative poverty, of impassible roads, 
small clearings, paltry prices, and low taxation. The gradual progress 
and developement of the county, has to a great extent ameliorated the 
greater number of these conditions, and of necessity added largely to its 
burdens. The liabilities of this county alone for 1866 scarcely fell short of 
$18,000. But with increased resources, improved roads, and an excellent 
market, our people are better able to meet the larger scale of taxation 
to-day than they were the more moderate one of former years ; and not a 

8* 



52 

man in the community would be willing to return to the rates of the 
period referred to with all the concomitant circumstances of the time 
annexed. 

A great deal of difficulty was found in the settlement of accounts 
between the new Colborne District and the old Newcastle District ; and it 
was not until 1845, and after legal proceedings were about to be resorted 
to, that balances due this District were paid and the whole matter fairly 
adjusted. 

Among the earliest By-Laws passed by the District Council was one for 
the payment of the salaries of its officers, among whom are to be reckoned 
the clerks, assessors and collectors of the several townships. The Warden's 
salary w r as at first $80 per year; in 1844 it was increased to $160. and 
in 1847, during the first year John Langton, Esq., presided over the 
Council as Warden, the salary attached to that office was abolished 
entirely. It is but proper to remark, however, that some remuneration, 
in addition to the ordinary fees, lias each year been voted to the Warden, 
in lieu of a salary. In 1849 this honorarium was $200, and it has rarely 
if ever since exceeded that sum. In February of 1847, a silk gown was 
first provided for the Warden, by order of the Council, and has been since 
worn by the gentlemen who have successively occupied that position. 

The District Clerk's salary in the beginning of 1842 w r as $160, but in 
a few months was raised to $300, and in 1849 to $400 per year. In 
January, 1852, the offices of Clerk and Treasurer were united, the salary 
then being fixed at $500, which as the duties of the joint office expanded 
was in 1860 increased to $1200 yearly, at which it still remains. 

The Treasurer of the District, in its early days, was allowed four per 
cent upon all moneys passing through his hands, and also a fee of one 
shilling for every inspection of his books or accounts. In 1849 an annual 
salary of $400 was attached to the office, in lieu of all percentages, and 
other fees or charges. 

The Auditors in 1842 were paid $20 each per annum. In 1850, their 
remuneration was increased to $30, and in 1.856 to $40 each, at which it 
still remains. 

The District Surveyor was at first paid $1.75 per day while actually 
employed. In 1844 a fixed salary of $100 was attached to the office, 
which was slightly increased in subsequent years, and in 1849 rose to 
$150. but was abolished during the following year. 



53 

The clerks of the several townships were paid $12 each, during the 
first years of our District Council, with the exception of that officer in 
Belmont, who only received $4 per year. In subsequent years, and 
especially since the new municipal system was introduced in 1850, these 
officers, and also the Assessors and Collectors, are paid for the greatly 
increased duties, of later years, by the several municipalities for which 
they act. 

The pay of the District Councillors, (or ''wages" as they term it in the 
several by-laws relating to this subject,) was at first $1.25 per day; in 
1855 it was increased to $1.50 ; and now, for some years, has been $1.75 
per "day, with allowance of 15 cents per mile one way for travelling expenses. 

In the early years of the District Council, the onerous duties entailed 
by a seat in that body do not appear to have been sought after so eagerly 
as in more recent times. Among the earliest by-laws of that period, is one 
" to determine the penalties on persons refusing to serve as Councillors;" 
and in 1845> we find one entitled "A by-law to enforce the attendance of 
Municipal Councillors," which however was repealed in 1848. The former 
of these imposed a fine of not less than one dollar, nor more than forty, 
for neglecting or refusing to take and subscribe the oath prescribed : and 
the latter a penalty of one dollar for absence from any of the sittings of 
Council, and two dollars for absence during an entire day, without per- 
mission of the Council. 

One of the first projects espoused by the District Council was the con- 
struction of a plank road from Cobourg, round the head of Rice Lake, to 
Peterborough, and thence to Chemong Lake. But this, like many other 
projects since mooted, was ere long abandoned. The chief records of the 
Council are made up of the then important, but now uninteresting, details 
of the opening up or establishment of new lines of road, repairing bridges, 
arranging and re-modelling the boundaries of school sections, and the 
numerous other matters common to the business of all councils. 

During the year 1844, John Darcus, Esq., a Justice of the Peace, who 
till then had acted as District Clerk, was found guilty of frauds, which 
not only deprived him of that office, but obliged him to abandon the 
neighborhood, if not even to fly from the Province. His peculations were 
trifling, and must have been entered upon in an unguarded moment. 
They occurred in this wise. It is customary when any person kills a 
wolf to take the scalp to the nearest magistrate, who signs a certificate to 
the effect that a wolf has been killed, and the recipient, on presenting this 



54 

document to the County Treasurer, is entitled to a bunas of six dollars, 
for the service thus rendered to the country. Mr. Darcus forged seven- 
teen of these certificates, inserting the names of settlers at a distance, and 
drew the money in their names, which of course he retained. Soon after, 
one of the persons whose name had been unwarrantably used, was con- 
gratulated on his success as a hunter, when he denied having killed any 
wolves, and on further enquiry, the discovery was made, which resulted in 
the withdrawal from the country of the unfortunate gentleman who had 
allowed himself to be guilty of the base transaction. We mention these 
circumstances more in sorrow than in scorn, and to "point a moral" rather 
than "adorn" this narrative. 

The County Treasurer was thereupon instructed to publish annually, a 
list of the names of persons mentioned in such certificates, with their place 
of residence ; a precaution at all times necessary to guard against a repe- 
tition of such fraud. 

On the removal of Mr. Darcus, James McCarroll, Esq., acted as County 
Clerk for a few weeks, when the permanent appointment was conferred 
upon Walter Sheridan, Esq. Dr. John Gilchrist continued to act as 
Treasurer until October, 1846, at which time Frederick Ferguson, Esq., 
was appointed to that office, which he retained till the close of 1851, when 
the two offices of clerk and treasurer were united ; and the duties of both 
have since been very faithfully and efficiently discharged by Mr. Sheridan, 
who still retains them. 

On the retirement of Mr. Ferguson, the Council expressed their entire 
confidence in his integrity and ability, and their regret at dispensing with 
his services, which was rendered expedient by the amalgamation of the 
two offices. Both Dr. Gilchrist and Mr. Ferguson acted in turn as Gov- 
ernment Land Agent, an office subsequently held by the late Col. Crawford, 
and abolished, in so far as the older townships of the County of Peterborough 
was concerned, within a few years of the present time. 



CHAPTER XL 



SCHOOLS AND SUPERINTENDENTS. 

A new Common School act, passed by the Reform Government of the 
day ; came into force in 1844, and Elias Burnham, Esq., was appointed 



55 

Superintendent of Schools for the Colborne District, in order effectually to 
carry out its provisions, — an office which he accepted rather from a desire 
to further the important interests of education, than from any emoluments 
belonging to the office, the salary attached to which during the period he 
held it, was at first £25 and then £50 per year, including travelling- 
expenses. Mr. Burnham discharged the arduous and laborious duties of 
this office, from this time up till the year 1850, with commendable zeal 
and ability, in doing so, travelling on horseback from six to eight hundred 
miles annually. The following official report, which he submitted to the* 
Council at the close of the year 1844, will be found interesting as an 
illustration of the position of the District at that date, in an educational 
point of view. 

REPORT OF THE DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS FOR THE 

YEAR 1844. 

To the Warden and Councillors of the Colhorne District, 
Gentlemen : 

I beg to lay before you a report relating to the Common Schools of the 
Colborne District for the year 1844. I have visited all the schools during 
the past year, in operation at the time of my annual examination, except 
one in Verulam and Harvey, and one in Fenelon and Bexley. Circum- 
stances have delayed my examination of these beyond the time prescribed. 
The character of the schools, generally, is satisfactory. It is to be regretted 
however that in many of the school districts, particularly those in the 
townships of Ops and North Monaghan, the school houses are so very bad, 
amounting in some instances to a state of actual discomfort and unhealthi- 
ness ; but I have invariably urged upon the people the necessity of their 
improvement, and I have reason to believe that they fully agree with me 
therein, and that they will remedy the evil as soon as possible." 

" The attendance of children is good, averaging to each school about 
twenty-five, but I am sorry to see this number confined solely, or nearly 
so, to children of small age. Taking one school with another, there is a 
fair proportion of children who read and write." 

u In no instances in my recollection, with one or two exceptions, have 
I seen the English grammar in use; very seldom geography, and no 
history, except occasionally in a reading book. The bible I found in 
general use." 

" There is a great deficiency of books in very many of the schools." 



56 

" This. I was told, originated in the carelessness or poverty of the parents. 
I have, however, invariably urged upon them the necessity of supplying 
their children with proper books. The teachers frequently complain ol* 
this deficiency, and of their consequent inability to classify their scholars ; 
which is prejudicial to their advancement." 

" I have reason to believe that the teachers rely more upon reason and 
common sense in their instruction, than upon the rod ; and I have inva- 
riably urged upon them to do so. I have also had to suggest the benefit 
of allowing the children a short relaxation during school hours. I have also 
made it known that intemperance in any teacher will be regarded by me 
as a good cause for his immediate removal, and that cruelty towards his 
scholars will be promptly put down." 

" Upon the whole, I may say that, although there is much room for 
improvement in many of the schools, still there is no real cause for com- 
plaint, and I am satisfied that they will continue gradually to prosper, and 
that the teachers will be improving." 

v'^ vj^ *^ vj> v'v 0> 

" I may further state that I made an application some time ago to the 
Governor General for the free grant of a lot in the Town of Peterborough, 
to Trustees, with the view of ultimately being able to build thereon a 
commodious school house, and establishing by private munificence a fund, 
the interest from which would be sufficient to supply free tuition to all 
who might choose to aviiil themselves of it, and to have a good library in 
connection therewith ; and I have intended, if my exertions had been suc- 
cessful, to have devoted the entire of my salary, as Superintendent, for 
that purpose. But His Excellency did not condescend to notice my 
petition, and so the matter for the present has ended. 

I have the honor to be, &c, 

E. BURNHAM, 

County Superintendent of Schools for the Colborne District." 
Peterborough, February 11, 1845. 

Thomas Benson, Esq., succeeded E. Bnrnham, Esq., in the office of 
County Superintendent, — the salary being now raised to £130 per year. 
Mr. Benson was highly respected both for his intelligence and the urbanity 
of his manners. His was one of the many valuable lives lost in the 
terrible railroad disaster at the Desjardines Canal in 1857. He retained 
the office of County Superintendent only for one year. His letter of 
resignation is interesting, as pourtraying the arduous duties of that office, 



57 

and the scant remuneration thus afforded for services so important. It is 
as follows : 

" To the Warden and Municipal Councillors of the County of Peter- 
borough, in Council Assembled. 

" Gentlemen : — The period having arrived when it becomes necessary 
that you should provide for the superintendence of the Common Schools 
of the county for the ensuing year, it is proper that I should inform you 
that I do not intend to offer myself as a candidate for the situation you 
did me the honor to confer upon me at the commencement of the past 
year." 

" If I here take occasion to refer to a few of the reasons which have 
induced me to come to this determination, it will be with the sole view of 
increasing the usefulness and efficiency of an office, the faithful discharge 
of the duties of which may do more to promote the social and moral 
advancement of the rural population of this county, than any other secular 
agency within your control. The first and most powerful motive which 
impels me to decline a reappointment to the office of superintendent of 
schools, is the conviction that the amount of labor which the faithful 
discharge of its duties would entail upon the incumbent, is more than any 
one person could possibly endure." 

" I trust it will be apparent that in alluding to the extent of this labor, 
I do not seek to magnify my own exertions. I crave your attention to this 
point merely to shew that a change of the former system is necessary." 

" The distance which must be travelled over to complete one visit to 
each school section in this county, would appear totally incredible to any 
one who had not taken some pains to reckon up the numerous journeys it 
occasions ; one visit could not be nearly accomplished in a quarter of the 
year at an average rate of. travelling of twenty miles a day. This rate, 
considering the state of most of the roads, and the time which must be 
spent in properly examining a school, is greater than could possibly be 
maintained for a whole year. The extent of my correspondence during 
the past year has been much greater than any one anticipated. Upwards 
of six hundred communications have been received, and nearly five hun- ' 
dred despatched. It is true that this will be in future greatly diminished, 
unless changes are made in the school law : but it will always be very con- 
siderable. The, operation of a law but newly introduced, entailed upon 
me the preparation of opinions and decisions, which not unfrequently 
required days of careful research, and much labor in furnishing numerous 

9 



58 

copies. I do not at all exaggerate when I state that the office work alone 
of my situation, has consumed more time, and required more anxious 
exertion, than is devoted to some of the best paid offices in the country." 

" In the next place, I find that my health is not equal to the task this 
office imposes. Frequent night journeys, and change of quarters, brought 
on a fit of illness which kept me from the performance of my duties for 
several weeks, every effort to resume my journeys bringing on a relapse." 

a But I should be recreant to the cause I profess to advocate, if I 
allowed any cowardly apprehension of being misunderstood or misrepre- 
sented, to prevent me from stating that the remuneration attached to the 
office under consideration, is out of all proportion to the nature and im- 
portance of its duties, and to the value of such qualification as a superin- 
tendent should possess." 

"My personal expenses for the year, including travelling expenses, 
repairs, stationery, postage and loss in the value of a horse worn down, 
have amounted to about seventy pounds, leaving only about sixty pounds 
as compensation for services which occupied the whole of my time, to the 
exclusion of all other sources of income." 

" The conclusion I desire to draw from these statements, is one to which 
I trust I may be permitted to call your attention, without exposing myself 
to the imputation of officious interference with privileges and duties which 
are peculiarly committed to you by the law : — it is this — that the interests 
of education will be promoted by a division of the county into at least 
two districts for school superintendence, and by fixing a rate of remune- 
ration more justly proportioned to the value of the services and attainments 
called into exercise by its arduous duties and high requirements." 

* With regard to the condition and prospects of common school edu- 
cation in the county, an improvement has taken place, and an impetus 
has been given to the desire for further advancement which must have 
become so apparent to each of you, gentlemen, in your several localities, as 
to leave no need to enlarge upon it here. Whether this improvement shall 
go on with a much needed and steadily increasing progress, will greatly 
depend upon the appointments which the Council may now make, to fill a 
situation the duties of which I feel that I have very imperfectly discharged." 
"I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, 

"Your most obedient humble servant, 
(Signed) Thomas Benson, 

« Supt Schools Co, Peterboro'. 
"Peterborough, 28th January, 1852.'' 



59 

After the retirement of Mr. Benson, in January, 1852, the county waft 
divided into four sections, for purposes of superintendence, of which the 
Townships of Smith, Douro and Otonabee formed one, Asphodel, Dummer 
and Belmont formed another, the other two consisting of the townships of 
North Monaghan and Ennismore respectively. The Rev. Edward Roberts 
was appointed Local Superintendent of the first division, the Rev. Thomas 
Searight of the second, Thos. Fortye, Esq., for North Monaghan, and 
Patrick Sullivan, Esq., for Ennismore. 

In March, 1853, requests were made for the appointment of separate 
township Local Superintendents, and notwithstanding the formal disapproval 
of this system expressed by Wm. Cottingham, Esq., Warden, in his 
address to the Council, this system was adopted, and has been since con- 
tinued until 1866, when an effort towards the centralization of the duties 
of the office was again made, and with partial success. The list of town- 
ship superintendents will be found in connection with the several munici- 
palities for which they held office. 



CHAPTER XII. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 

In February, 1847, an important meeting was held in the Court House 
for the purpose of forwarding the construction of a railroad from Port 
Hope to Peterborough, — a charter for which had been obtained during the 
then last session of Parliament ; but the subject was new, and public 
moneys, which were afterwards so lavishly expended by means of the 
Municipal Loan Fund, were not yet available. The project therefore de- 
pended entirely upon individual and local effort, but though frequently 
and freely discussed, did not come into effect until several years later. 

During March of the same year, (1847) public meetings were held and 
subscriptions raised to aid in mitigating the serious distress from famine 
then prevailing in Ireland and Scotland. Several of our leading citizens, 
both in town and county, lent themselves freely to this good work ; which 
resulted in a collection in all of £364, the proportion of which for Scot- 
land was duly forwarded through the Treasurer, James Wallis, Esq., for 

9* 



60 

the purposes intended ; but the Home Committee for the relief of Ireland, 
from some cause, never applied for their proportion, although duly notified. 
It was therefore resolved, at a public meeting, held in September of that 
year, to apply this portion for the relief of immigrants arriving here, or 
then in the district, a large proportion of whom were from Ireland. 

The number of these was very considerable, and they brought with them 
a form T>f fever of a malignant type. A public meeting was then called 
and the following gentlemen appointed to act as a Health Committee for 
the town : — Thomas Chambers, Charles Forest, Joseph Shaw, Robert 
Stenson and James Harvey, Esquires. In order to provide shelter and 
attendance for those who arrived here in an almost destitute condition, a 
temporary hospital was improvised in the southern part of the town. 
Among the victims of this disease was Dr. Hutcheson, in reference to 
whose decease the Peterborough Dispatch contained the following brief 
obituary notice :— 

" Died,— On Sunday, [July 1st, 1847.] of typhus fever, caught while 
in attendance at the immigrant sheds, John Hutcheson, Esq., M.D., aged 
50 years, formerly of Kirkaldy, in Fife, North Britain, and a resident of 
America since 1815. This melancholy event cast a gloom over the entire 
community, to whose interests, he, both as a friend and a physician, had 
long been faithfully devoted. The writer trusts that some one of his 
most intimate associates will pay a just and fitting tribute to the memory 
and merits of our departed friend, as it would be both unbecoming and 
ungrateful that talent and worth such as Dr. Hutcheson was largely gifted 
with, should pass from the busy stage of life without something beyond a 
passing notice." 

During 1846-7 the bridge across the Otonabee at Peterborough was 
rebuilt, under the supervision of the Board of Works, — and a large sum 
of money expended on the boundary line between Otonabee and Douro, 
Asphodel and Dummer, part of which was for the construction of a bridge 
across the Indian river on that road. Towards these important improve- 
ments a grant of £3000 had been made in Parliament during the previous 
year, and the outlay then effected along the boundary line mentioned, and 
over seven hundred days' work, voluntarily offered by the residents along 
the road, rendered it barely passable for a team and vehicle. 

The death of B. Y. McKyes, Esq., first Judge for the Colborne District, 
occurred on the 2nd day of December, 1847. 



61 

In consequence of the resignation of the Viger-Draper Administration 
about that time, a new election was ordered, which took place on the 20th 
and 21st of the same month. George Barker Hall, Esq., barrister, at 
once offered himself as a candidate for the representation of the county, 
but was offered the position of District Judge, which he accepted. The 
other candidates in the field were James Hall, (the present Sheriff) John 
Langton and Richard Birdsall, Esquires. These three gentlemen went to 
the polls. Mr. Hall was the nominee of the Reform Convention, and was 
elected by 81 of a majority over his most successful opponent. 

The first side-walk in Peterborough was built during this year, (1847.) 
It is mentioned in the local press of the time, among the public improve- 
ments, but was of short extent, and merely extended from the "Albert 
house" of that day, to Mr. Cluxton's store, on George street. 

During 1847, the large stone building between St. Peter's and St. 
Andrew's Churches, now the residence of Robert Nicholls,- Esq., was 
built by P. M. Gro.ver, Esq., and afterwards purchased by the Odd Fellows 
of Peterborough for a hall, and formally dedicated by them to this purpose 
in February, 1848. From some cause the society in Peterborough, fell 
into decline, and has now for several years ceased to exist. 

In the Peterborough Dispatch of May 4th, 1848, appears the following 
brief tribute to the memory of a prominent and wealthy citizen then just 
deceased : 

" Died, — At his residence, in Peterborough, on Saturday, the 29th ult., 
after a short but painful illness, which he bore with uncomplaining resig- 
nation, Oughtry Morrow, Esquire, one of our oldest and most respected 
merchants, who grew with the growth of our thriving town, and whose 
interests were largely identified with it. One who by a steady career of 
probity, integrity and untiring industry, had realized a handsome inde- 
pendence ; and had besides acquired general esteem and confidence among 
all classes of the community. The deceased was a magistrate, and also 
filled the office of trustee of the Grammar School of the Colborne District." 

"His funeral was most numerously and respectably attended. St. John's 
Church was thronged in every part, and many could not gain admittance. 
Business was entirely suspended ; indeed, unavoidably so, — for nearly every 
male inhabitant was present on the melancholy occasion of consigning to 
the tomb our respected friend and citizen, in hope of a glorious immortality." 
"An honest man, — the noblest work of God." 



62 

The walls of the large flour and grist mill, on the east side of the Oton- 
abee bridge, the property of R. D. Rogers, Esq., was built in 1848, — the 
adjoining saw mill having during that year been finished and in operation. 
On the completion of Mr. Roger's large mill, Peterborough had " three 
first-class flouring establishments, capable of manufacturing from 50,000 to 
60,000 barrels of flour per annum*" The other mills referred to were 
that of G. B. Hall, Esq., in the occupation of Mr. Martin, and that owned 
by J. R. Benson, Esq. A fine woollen factory was then approaching com- 
pletion, and an extensive rake factory, conducted by Mr. Sperry, is said to 
have turned out 20,000 of those useful implements during the previous 
season.f Three iron foundries were also at this time in successful opera- 
tionj, namely, that of Messrs. Harvey & Dixon, Messrs. Malcolm & Co's, 
and the furnace and shops of Mr. Mo wry at the east end of the bridge. 
Sundry good buildings had also been erected ; and among others, the brick 
hotel owned by Thomas Chambers, Esq., on the corner of Hunter and 
Water Streets, subsequently destroyed by fire. In regard to hotels it may 
here be mentioned that the " Globe" hotel, on Charlotte street, was the 
first brick house erected in Peterborough, and the "Commercial hotel" of 
Mr. Chambers, just mentioned, was the second building of brick within 
the limits of the town. It stood on the site of his present grocery, and 
was for a time the leading public house in Peterborough. It was built in 
1847, burned down in 1858, and on its site the present two story building 
was erected in 1864. Mr. Chambers has long been known as one of our 
enterprising and wealthy citizens. 

It is more difficult than might at first appear, to do justice, in a work 
of this kind, to the growth of the several interests, commercial, mechanical 
and agricultural. The operations of the latter especially, important though 
they be, are unobtrusive, and require to be sought after rather than appear 
on the surface. We find, however, in the Peterborough Despatch of 
February 3rd, 1848, a report of the Committee of the Colborne District 
Agricultural Society for 1847, which is full of interest. After an expres- 
sion of regret that more zeal and efficient interest were not shown in regard 
to the township agricultural societies, and also that such a society as that 
for the District should only number about four hundred members, the 
Committee go on to remark : 

" But on the other hand, we find much cause for congratulation in the 

* Despatch Aug. 31st, 1848. 

f Ibid. 

X Despatch Sept. 7th, 1846. 



63 

steady and rapid advancement in both the quantity and quality of the 
agricultural products of this District since the formation of your society. 
This advancement is, perhaps, most observable in the articles of wheat and 
flour. Up to the year 1842, it is known, that not more than two thousand 
bushels of wheat were sent out of the District for sale in any one year. 
During the last year, (1847) upwards of twenty thousand barrels of 
flour, and thirty thousand bushels of wheat, were sent off by the merchants 
of this District alone ; independently of the large quantity (probably not 
less than fifty thousand bushels) of wheat taken out by the farmers them- 
selves, and sold at the ports on Lake Ontario." 

" In the first year mentioned, not one mill existed in this District capa- 
ble of manufacturing flour for the foreign markets ; now more than eight 
manufacturing mills, with upwards of thirty run of stones are in operation.* 
In 1842, not more than one thrashing mill was owned in the District, now 
upwards of fifty are in use, thirty of them manufactured at the foundry 
in Peterborough, during the last year. Upwards of eight hundred plows 
were made during the past year, (1847) by only two establishments in 
this District ; and now a reaping machine, almost innumerable horse rakes, 
drill plows, harrows, cultivators, and other improved implements of hus- 
bandry are in general use." 

" Within the same short period several woolen factories, two, at least, of 
which would do credit to the oldest settled parts of the Province, have 
been erected, and are gradually extending their operations and their 
benefits ; while the market they offer for an important staple of the country, 
is already effecting an evident improvement in the breed of sheep. Nu- 
merous oatmeal mills now furnish in considerable quantities an article of 
growing consequence among our exports. A most marked and gratify- 
ing improvement in the breed of cattle has taken place, through the 
immediate instrumentality of your society, besides that which is the result 
of the most praiseworthy efforts of private enterprise. The improvement 
is less manifest in the breed of horses than in any other description of 
stock, and your Committee regret that the attempt to better our condition 
in this respect, made last year, has entirely failed." 

The foregoing report is stated to have been prepared by the late W. S. 
Conger, Esq., President, the late Thomas Benson and W. H. Moore, 
Esquires, Vice-Presidents of the Society. 

* The figures in this extract refer to the Colbome District, and not to the County of Peterborough. 



64 

The publication of the Peterborough Gazette ceased in October, 1848. 
This newspaper was contemporary with the Chronicle, and was conducted 
in chief part by the Rev. J. H. Dunsford. The office of the Gazette was 
in the building once known as the red store, formerly referred to, and still 
in good condition, on the corner of Charlotte and Water streets. 

The Peterborough Backwoodsman and Sentinel, founded in 1837, by 
John Darcus, Esq., ceased before the removal of that gentleman from Peter- 
borough in the manner already alluded to. The Chronicle was commenced 
in December, 1842, Thomas Messenger, Esq., being Proprietor, and James 
McCarroll, Esq., Editor. The office of publication was in the frame house 
on Brock street, now used as a tin-shop by Mr. A. McD. Norton, and 
afterwards in a frame house on the lot just west of the one on which stands 
the elegant mansion of James Stevenson, Esq. With the burning of the 
office in 1846, which inflicted a heavy loss upon the owner of the Chronicle, 
its publication ceased, and the Peterborough Dispatch soon after took its 
place. The first number of the Dispatch appeared on the 19th of Nov- 
vember, 1846. It was published by George Hazlehurst, Esq., until 
August, 1856, when the Peterborough Examiner took its place, and has 
now been ten years in existence. Augustus Sawers, Esq., was its first 
Editor and Proprietor. It then passed into the hands of Alexander 
Graham and James Renfrew, Esquires. Mr. Renfrew then conducted it for 
three years; and in May, 1862, was succeeded by Mr. Graham, as sole pro- 
prietor. In October, 1863, James M. Dunn, Esq., became associated with 
Mr. Graham in its publication, and so continued until March, 1864. 
Since December of that year, the Examiner has been conducted by Alex. 
Graham and James Stratton, Esquires, at their office, in the Post office 
block. 

The publication of the Peterborough Review was commenced as early 
as May, 1853, by Robert Romaine, Esquire, its present proprietor. 
Subsequently, it was conducted by Thomas and Richard White, Esquires, 
who now publish the Hamilton Spectator. During the thirteen years of its 
existence it was twice enlarged, and for several years has been printed on one 
of Hoe's large cylinder presses. A bindery and ruling machine are 
attached to the Review establishment. 

A third printing office was opened in Peterborough in the fall of 1864, 
by James Stephens, Esq., but the two newspapers last mentioned are the 
only periodicals published in Peterborough. The present little work is 
being printed at the Review office. 



65 
CHAPTER XIII. 



THE TOWN INCORPORATED. 

Until the close of 1849, Peterborough had the rank of a mere village, 
and was an integral part of the Township of North Monaghan. With the 
passing of the act of incorporation, which came into force in January, 
1850, a new era may be said to have commenced in its history. Property 
greatly increased in value, and in a few years new and fine blocks of build- 
ings took the place of many of the first wooden houses which till then had 
occupied the best sites in the leading thoroughfares. 

The late Thomas Benson, Esq., was the first mayor ; and the new council 
over which he presided appear to have lost no time in inaugurating steps 
for the improvement of the town. In the spring of that year, a premium 
of one hundred dollars was offered for "the best approved plans, specifica- 
tions and estimates for a new town hall and market house ; and also for 
plans, &c, of an uniform series of buildings to occupy three sides of the 
market square." Those offered by Mr. Thomas, architect, of Toronto, 
were accepted, though not without a protest as to alleged unfairness on the 
part of the council, by Mr. Kivas Tully. In accordance with these, the 
corner stone of the present town hall and market house, was laid in 
September, 1851, with imposing ceremony, music and much rejoicing. 

The following inscription, on parchment, was deposited in the corner 
stone: — "On the 27th day of September, A. D., 1851, Charles Hudson, 
Esq., mayor, laid the foundation stone of this building, erected by order 
of the Town Council of the Town of Peterborough. Members of the 
Council, — Charles Hudson, Esq*, mayor, James Harvey, Joseph Spenceley, 
John Reid, Thomas Chambers, Clarke Spalding, James T. Hen thorn 
Edmund Chamberlen, Egerton Perry, M.D., Thomas Hutcheson, Robin- 
son Rutherford and John Haggart. Members of the Building Committee, 
— Edmund Chamberlen, James T. Henthorn, Thomas Chambers, John 
Reid and James Harvey, Esquires. Walter Sheridan, Esq., architect. 
Mr. David Taylor, contractor. (Signed) W. H. Wrighton, Town Clerk." 

The importance of the occasion was such, that it was arranged that an 
ox should be roasted whole, wherewith to entertain "all and singular" who 
might choose to accept the hospitality of the town. This part of the 
programme was literally carried out, but, unfortunately, while revolving 
upon the spit, the body of the ox was carried away, either piecemeal or 
10 



66 

entire, by persons whose guilt was never verified ; and thus the great feast 
of the evening fell to the portion of others than those for whom it was 
intended. A sumptuous dinner was however served by Thomas Chambers, 
Esq., at his "Commercial Hotel," which was followed by speeches and such 
conviviality as is usual on occasions of the kind. 

In January, 1851, W. S. Conger, Esq., submitted to the County 
Council an elaborate scheme in reference to the best mode of promoting 
the settlement of the wild lauds in the rear of the county. His plan was 
" That the Government should dispose of all the waste or unsold lands of 
the Crown to the several County Councils where such lands may lie, at a 
nominal price of say 6d. or Is. per acre — payment for the same to be made 
by the Councils in Debentures, bearing interest and redeemable in twenty 
years. The fund so created to be applied towards the establishment of a 
permaneut common school fund. The conditions of the sale to the counties 
to be that these lands should be re-sold by them at a low price, varying from 
2s. 6d. to 7s. 6d. per acre, according to value — and on time if the parties re- 
quired it — to actual settlers only. The entire proceeds of such sales, after 
providing for the payment of the interest upon the purchase and any 
incidental expenses, to be anticipated by debentures, and laid out in making- 
roads thereto."* 

The Committee of the Council declined to enter into such an arrange- 
ment, on the ground that "they considered the plan of too great magnitude 
to be entertained by a county so young as this."f The Council, however, 
memorialized the Governor in Council in respect to the wild lands in rear 
of the county, and prayed that these lands be offered for sale at low rates 
to actual settlers, and that the proceeds of sales of such lands might be 
spent in opening up roads through the back country. 

During the year 1851, a public sewer was constructed on George street, 
from a distance of one chain north of Hunter street, southward to King- 
street, along or rather beneath which it escapes to the Otonabee river. 
This work was of the greatest public utility, and contributed largely in 
succeeding years to the health of the town. 

The close* of the year 1851 brought with it the end of another Parlia- 
mentary term, and with this the inevitable result, — a new election. This 
time the contest lay between James Hall, Esq., the former member, and 

* Peterborough Despatch, February 27ih, 1861. 

f Report of Committee on County Property, January 31st, 1851. 



67 

John Langton, Esq., one of the defeated candidates at the previous elec- 
tion. Thomas Short and llobert llcid, Esquires, were respectively Mr. 
Hall's mover and seconder; Mr. Langton's nomination was moved by 
Thomas Bell, Esq., of Smith, and seconded by Mr. Samuel Davidson, of 
Mariposa. Mr. Hall was avowedly a Reformer. Mr. Langton's politics 
were those of a moderate Conservative. Both gentlemen addressed the 
electors at the nomination with much spirit, and the show of hands, when 
taken, was slightly in Mr. Langton's favor. The result of the election 
placed Mr. Langton at the head of the poll by a majority of 70. • 

Towards the close of the year of 1851, a by-law of the County Council 
was passed, instructing the Warden to execute and transfer a deed, in 
trust, of the general Protestant burying ground in Peterborough to the 
Town Council, the said ground consisting of lots one two and three on the 
south side of McDonell street and west of George street, and lots one, two 
and three north of Murray street and west of George street ; and also to 
transfer for school purposes to the Town Council lot number five on the 
south side of London street, and lot number ten on the north side of 
King street, both being west of George street, but such official transfer 
appears never to have been actually made, or if made, not registered. 

In the following year, (1852), two fine brick buildings were erected on 
the Market Square, on the corner of George and Simcoe streets, which 
were at. once occupied, but were unfortunately destroyed by fire in June, 

1857. Soon after, the present market block rose on the ruins. Its taste- 
ful front is creditable to the town, while its capacious shops, of great depth, 
afford ample accommodation for the extensive business carried on within 
their precincts. These buildings were erected, not by the corporation, but 
by private individuals, under a ground lease for 21 years ; the town being 
then bound either to renew the leases, or pay for the improvements at an 
estimate of their value. 

In 1852, the first three shops of Mr. Burnham's block were completed, 
and the remainder, including the building known as Caisse's hotel, in 

1858. In the year 1854, the county was divided into two grammar school 
districts ; embracing respectively the eastern and western sections of the 
county, — both of which have since offered excellent facilities for acquiring 
a classical education, the advantages of which have been fully appreciated. 
From and after July of that year, a daily mail arrived at Peterborough, by 
means of the steamer O/ovabee, until the close of navigation. 

10* 



68 

Soon after the incorporation of the town, in 1850, an agitation was 
commenced for the closing of the old burial ground ; — a result which was 
not formally accomplished until 1854. During the interim, however, and 
chiefly through the influence of W. S. Conger, Esq., a Joint Stock Com- 
pany was formed, which purchased the beautiful wooded promontory, just 
below the Little Lake, formerly known as Moe's point, and this was ap- 
propriated to the purposes of a cemetery, for which, in many respects, it is 
well adapted. The ground has been tastefully laid out, and to some extent 
ornamented ; but notwithstanding its fine natural advantages, there is still 
room for improvement, which will no doubt be accomplished as rapidly as 
the funds of the company admit of the necessary expenditure. 

About the same time, the Wesleyan Methodists secured an eligible plot 
of ground, north of the town, in which to bury their dead ; and a few years 
later, the Roman Catholics purchased several acres, in Monaghan, just 
outside of the limits of the town, for the same purpose. 

In July, 1854, the Hincks-Morin Cabinet was defeated during the 
debate on the address, on a, motion expressing regret that the Clergy- 
Reserve and Seignorial Tenure questions were not to be taken up by the 
Government. In consequence of this defeat, a general election ensued ; and 
Mr. Langton, returning to his constituents, was re-elected by acclamation. 
The McNab-Morin Administration was the result of the combination which 
then followed, by which, as the reader will probably remember, these great 
questions were successfully grappled with, and finally settled. 

Towards the close of the year 1855, Mr. Langton accepted the office of 
Auditor-General of the Province, and thus another vacancy occurred in 
the representation of the county, which was filled by an election held on 
the 22nd and 23rd days of January, 1856. The candidates on this occa- 
sion were W. S. Conger, Esq., first Sheriff of the Colborne District, who 
resigned that office for the purpose of entering Parliament, — Frederick 
Ferguson, Esq., formerly Treasurer and Land Agent of the county, and 
Augustus Sawers, Esq., who about that time came into prominence as a 
leading politician. 

After a very vigorous canvass, on the part of the gentlemen first named, 
in which the Hon. George Brown, M. P. P., took an active part in the 
interest of Mr. Ferguson, Mr. Conger was elected by a majority of 298 
over Mr. Ferguson ; the third candidate — Mr. Sawers— having polled only 
seventeen votes. 



69 

On the 9th day of February, 1856, James Hall, Esq., an ex-M. P. P., 
for the United Counties, was gazetted Sheriff in place of W. S. Conger, 
Esq., who had resigned that office, as already stated. 

The year 1856 was unusually prolific of new buildings in Peterborough, 
and these, too, mostly of a superior class. The Peterborough Review for 
September of that year notices them as follows : 

"First we have a couple of stores erected by P. Ryan Esq., on his property 
on south George street. The building is of brick, three stories 
high. The front is ornamented with raised brick work in the form of 
pillars, surmounted by a neat brick cornice, and supported upon cast iron 
pillars. With one exception, the building is the neatest yet erected in 
town. The shops will be very large and lofty, and will each have a hall 
door leading to the upper stories from the front. The building immedi- 
ately fronts the market square, and when the projected waggon bridge 
across the Otonabee, at the locks, is completed, and an entrance to the 
town from the township of Otonabee made at the south end, the stand will 
be a very excellent one." 

"Next we have the buildings erected by W. Cluxton Esq., on George street. 
These buildings are very much superior to anything of the kind heretofore 
attempted in Peterborough, and while being an ornament to the town, 
reflect the greatest credit upon the public spirit of the proprietor. The 
buildings are four stories high, the front being of white brick, and sup- 
ported on chaste iron pillars and stretchers. The windows of the second 
and third stories are slightly arched at the top ; while those of the fourth are 
circular topped. The sashes are painted a dark brown color, and the 
"lights" are unusually large. Surmounting the front is a neat cornice of 
wood, covered with zinc, and sanded, supported by neatly carved dentals, 
which are also sanded, thus making them fire-proof. The building is flat 
roofed, covered with tin. The sashes of the shop windows are of cast 
iron, of very light structure, and the glass is to be of the finest British 
plate. The shops will be very spacious, and being on the west side of the 
street, will be shaded during the greater part of the day. Both these 
buildings and those of Mr. Ryan were built by Mr. David Carlisle," [and 
their general description will apply equally to the adjoining block of two 
stores, subsequently erected by Jas. Stevenson and T. Bradburn, Esqrs.] 

" Mr. McFarlane has also put up a couple of stores of brick, on Hunter 
street. The building is two stories in height, the front being of white 
brick, surmounted by a brick cornicing. Mr. Ritchie was the builder." 



70 

" J. T. Henthorn, Esq., has commenced his buildings on Hunter street. 
Three of them will be erected this fall. The buildings will be three stories, 
with brick cornicing and flat roof, covered with tin. The shops facing on 
Hunter street will be single, those on George street double. So soon as 
this block is completed, it will very much improve the appearance of the 
town. Mr. Henthorn deserves credit for his energy and enterprise. The 
loss of the buildings formerly on this corner, by fire, would have been 
sufficient to paralyze a less energetic mind. Mr. Spencely is the builder." 

Mr. Hall's brick buildings on Hunter street are finished. 
In Peterboro' East, R. D. Rogers, Esq., has put up a two story brick building, 
with the end facing the street, the end wall being capped with cut stone, 
and the figures 1856 cut out of the brick. The shop is fitted up with 
iron shutters, and but for the shingled roof, might, doubtless, class as a 
fire-proof building." 

" Thus it will be seen that without any great amount of display, the 
business part of Peterborough is progressing rapidly ; while the suburbs, 
if we may so name the outskirts, are being every where studded with 
dwelling houses." 

In addition to the foregoing excellent description of these buildings, we 
may remark, that Mr. Cluxton's fine block was erected on the model of 
one in Buffalo, N. Y., specially selected by that gentleman for this purpose, 
and that this, together with the style of buildings since erected on the 
principal streets, has led visitors to Peterborough to designate this as "an 
American town,", which, indeed, it more nearly resembles than perhaps 
any other town in Canada. 

Mr. Henthorn added to those mentioned above, two brick stores on 
George street, in 1859. In 1858 he again suffered by fire in the destruc- 
tion of a large frame hotel, which is still remembered as the first two story 
frame house erected in Peterborough ; and a third time in 1860, when a 
large bakery, with stables and sheds, all on the same premises, were con- 
sumed. His fine block was completed by the addition of two large white 
brick stores, fronting on George street, in the year 1862. 

In March 1857, died Dr. Connin, a veteran Surgeon of the British 
Navy, who had been in many notable engagements, and for the services he 
had rendered received a medal and two clasps. He was acting Surgeon to 
one of the transport vessels which brought to these shores the immigrants 
of 1825, under the late Hon. Peter Robinson. 



71 

In April of that year, the Peterborough Rifle company whs organized. 
W. A. Scott, Esq., was then Captain, and so continued until November, 
22nd, 1861, when, on his resignation, Lieutenant Edwin Poole was 
promoted to the Captaincy ; a position he has since retained, with the 
additional honor of having been temporarily appointed Major during the 
recent term of active service on frontier duty. 

The Peterborough Infantry Company No. 1, Captain Kennedy, was 
organized in January, 1863. The Lakcfield Infantry Company, Captain 
Leigh, in 1862 ; Ashburnham Infantry Company No. 1, II. D. Rogers, 
Esq., Captain, in 1863 ; while during the present year, (1866,) Peterborough 
Infantry Company No. 2, Captain the Hon. Sidney Smith, has been organized 
and equipped, and permission granted lor the formation of an Independent 
Company, under the command of Lieut-Colonel F. W. Haultain, M. P. P. 
both of which latter companies are now rapidly progressing in drill. 

An election for the Trent Division was held on the 31st of October, and 
the 2nd of November, 1856. — a holiday intervening between the two days 
of polling. The candidates were P. M. Grover, Esq., of Norwood, who 
retired on the day of nomination, Thomas Short, Esq., of Keene, and the 
Hon. Edmund Murney, of Belleville. The last named gentleman was 
elected by a majority of 238. 

During the next election for the county, held on the 23rd and 24th days 
of December, 1857, Thomas Short, Esq., was the successful candidate, and 
defeated W. S. Conger, Esq., by a majority of 315 votes. Augustus 
Sawers, Esq., was also a candidate at that election, and again polled 
seventeen votes. * 

The succeeding election for the county was held on the 9th and 11th 
days of July, 1861. Mr. Short did not again offer himself as a candidate, 
and the electors were called upon to choose between W. S. Conger, Esq., 
and Lieut.-Col. F. W. Haultain, until then a comparative stranger in the 
county. The result was a majority of thirty votes for Col. Haultain, who 
was declared duly elected accordingly. 

In February, 1858, George Barker Hall, Esq., then for several years 
Judge of the United Counties of Peterborough and Victoria, breathed his 
last, at his residence, Beavermead, near Peterborough. He was deeply 
regretted by a large circle of friends, by whom he was beloved, and by the 
entire county, by whom he was respected and admired for the integrity 
and ability with which he discharged his official duty as County Judge. 



72 

We omitted to state, in the proper place, that this gentlemen was elected 
to represent this county in Parliament in 1844, and filled the duties of 
that position with much ability until 1847, when, on the death of Judge 
McKyes, he was appointed to the office of County Judge, which he retained 
until the period of his death. 

Soon after this event, Robert Mant Boucher, Esq., was appointed to the 
seat thus rendered vacant, and still discharges the duties of that onerous 
position. Previous to his appointment as Judge, this gentleman had been 
Warden of the Counties of Northumberland and Durham, in the former 
of which he resided as a practising Barrister. 

In March, 1858, W. S. Conger, Esq., brought prominently under the 
notice of the Government and the country, his great scheme for rendering 
the waters of the Trent and Otonabee rivers navigable by the construction 
of a ship canal, to connect the waters of the Bay of Quinte with those of 
the Georgian Bay. To this subject he devoted a considerable portion of 
time and a very great amount of labor, in collecting facts, and bringing 
them under the notice of successive Parliaments during his public career 
as member for the county. But the discussion of rival projects, and the 
magnitude of the undertaking itself, prevented it from passing beyond the 
arena of parliamentary discussion, and the formality of official enquiry. 

The same gentleman also took a prominent part in an agitation for the 
construction of a leading gravel road through the county. Considerable 
discussion was elicited on this subject, and a vote of the people taken in 
March, 1858, but with a result unfavorable to this project, which was 
consequently abandoned. 

In 185$, the three story block of Messrs. Nicholls & Hall was erected. 
As most persons in the town and county are aware, it consists of two 
large stores, fronting on Simcoe street, where a very extensive business is 
carried on by these gentlemen, both in dry goods and groceries. 

During the same year, the new townships in the rear of the County of 
Peterborough were attached to this county for judicial and municipal 
purposes. 

In September, 1858, Peterborough East, long known uuder the 
soubriquet of the "Scotch village," was incorporated as a separate munici- 
pality, under the name of the Village of Ashburnham. There is but 
little to add, in addition to what has been already written of its progress. 
in connection with the town. The fine residence of the Rev. Mark Burn- 



73 ' 

hum, overlooking the Otonabce and a part oi' the town, was erected during 
the years 1853-4. The fine dwelling house, of red brick, in the Gothic 
style of architecture, on the rising ground, overlooking the village, 
erected by the Rev. J. W. R. Beck, Hector of Peterborough, was built in 
1859 and 1860. The commodious brick school house, elegantly furnished, 
was completed in 1863. The terminus of the Cobourg and Peterborough 
railway is situated in the centre of the village, but since the closing of 
that road in 1860, the buildings have been useless, and the station grounds 
comparatively deserted. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



THE PRINCE OF WALES IN .PETERBOROUGH. 

An event never to be forgotten by the citizens of Peterborough and the 
neighboring townships, was the visit of His Royal Highness the Prince of 
Wales to this town, in September, 1860. As soon as it became certainly 
known that Peterborough was to be thus honored, meetings were held of 
the Town and County Councils, and the sum of $2400 placed at the 
disposal of a Committee who were appointed to make the necessary prepa- 
rations to give His Royal Highness a fitting reception. To afford any 
adequate idea of the extent and completeness of the arrangements made on 
this occasion, we cannot do better than quote the following paragraphs 
entire, from the Peterborough Review extra, issued on the following day : 

"There are three arches erected by the Committee. One in Ashbumham, 
nearly opposite Mr. Roger's store ; one on Hunter street, opposite St. 
John's Church ; and one on George street, above McGregor's Hotel. 
They arc really very fine structures, and their appearance is strikingly 
imposing. That in Ashburnham is a Roman design. On the east side of 
it, and surmounting the main arch, is the Prince of Wales Plume, under 
this the word "'Welcome," in large letters. The rest of the arch is hand- 
somely covered with evergreens. On the west side are the Royal Arms, 
over the words "God save the Queen," the body of the arch, like the 
reverse side, being covered with evergreens. 

The view, in approaching this arch, is very fine. The Town Hall, 
11 



Market block and Cain's hotel are been in the distance iinpiugiug upon the 
bright shrubbery of Clousilla Hill in the rear, and giving the impression 
of a large city across the river. 

" The arch opposite the Church is a Tudor arch. Along the centre, and 
immediately under the battlements, on the east side, are the words '-Wel- 
come to Peterborough. On the south tower is a panel surrounded by a 
wreath, combining the rose, thistle, shamrock and maple leaf, and within 
the wreath is the letter "P." On the north tower a similar panel has the 
letter "W." The west side was allotted by the Committee to the Temper- 
ance organizations, who decorated it according to their taste. On the cen- 
tre, under the battlements, is the word ■• Temperance." ' surmounting a scroll 
with the words "Perseverance and Industry.'" Over the north side arch 
is the motto '-Union is Strength" ; over the south "Knowlcda-e is Power."' 
On the north tower, the emblem and motto of the Good Templars : a 
fountain, and the words "Faith, Hope and Charity." are fixed in a panel. 
On the south tower those of the Sous of Temperance : a triangle and star. 
Avith the words -'Love. Purity and Fidelity."" The evergreen was beauti- 
fully interspersed with flowers, greatly relieving the appearance and adding 
materially to the effect."* 

" The third arch, that- near McGregor's hotel, is decidedly the finest of 
the three. It is in the Gothic style. On the north side of it, that first 
approached by the Prince, immediately above the centre arch, are the 
w^ords, " Welcome, thrice welcome to Canada,' surmounted by a shield sup- 
ported by beavers, and having upon it the Royal Arms. On the east 
tower, near the top, is a cornucopia, over the words, "Peace and Plenty," 
and under It a panel with the words, "Canada, the brightest gem in the 
British Crown.'' On the west tower is a sheaf of wheat, over the word 
"Agriculture," and a panel with the words, -• Albert our future King.*' 
On the south side of the arch, over the main entrance, are the words, 
"Victoria," "Albert," over these the Royal Arms in a shield, supported by 
beavers. On each tower is the Crown, Bible and Sceptre, and under 
them, on one, "God Save", on the other "the Queen". Lower down, the 
towers are panelled, one panel enclosing the words, "Our God and our 
Country" ; the other, " The Queen and Constitution."' This arch, ap- 
proached by the procession from the north, had a most imposing appearance. 
Through it, George street with its hundreds of flags of every size and color, 
and its festoonings aud mottoes of evergreens, and the lumberer's arch, 
manned by a score of lumbermen, appeared like a glimpse of fairy land. 



75 



The covp tVcril was magnificent, exceeding, according to the statement of 
gentlemen in the Royal party, anything they had yet witnessed in their 
tour. 

'At the intersection of George and Simcoe streets and George and Hunter 
streets, large poles had been erected, tastefully wreathed with evergreens, 
surmounted by a large flag, and having festoonings of flags extended from 
the pole to the buildings on the four corners. From the string of flags 
were wreaths of evergreens to the poles, the whole having a very fine 
appearance from whatever direction approached/' 

"On the Court House green a pavillion had been erected, for the presen- 
tation of the addresses, covered with canvass awning, and beautifully 
festooned. It was handsomely carpeted, and a chair, covered with scarlet 
cloth, placed on it for His Royal Highness. In front of it seats had been 
fixed for 1000 children ; and the rising ground of the Court House park 
afforded easy standing room for 30,000 people." 

" It is impossible to speak in terms of too high praise of the zeal mani- 
fested by the citizens generally in giving to their buildings the best possible 
holiday appearance. Foremost, however, among the private decorations 
was the lumberer's arch. It was placed upon George street, near Charlotte 
street. The lumber was furnished by Messrs. Snyder and Dickson, the 
teams by lumberers generally. Mr. Shaw had charge of the erection, and 
under his guidance, the whole was completed within fourteen hours of the 
time of its commencement. It was a triple arch, the lumber being so 
piled as to give to the curves a beautiful appearance. On the top of it, 
were a couple of deer, on each side of these a bark canoe, and as the pro- 
cession approached, twenty-five lumbermen, dressed in red shirts and black 
pants, very pictures of able bodied, well developed men, were ranged along 
the top. On the face of the arch, immediately above the centre, was a 
Prince of Wales plume, with the words, "Welcome, Prince of Wales," and 
on one side the words in a scroll, "the source of our wealth," on the other 
"ships, colonies and commerce." We detract nothing from the other 
decorations when we pronounce this one to have been the finest, as it was 
the most characteristic of the place, of them all. There was neither nail 
nor saw used in this erection." 

" Starting from the station in Ashburnham, the streets were all lined 
with spruce trees, and from the buildings hung flags and evergreen fes- 

11* 



76 

toouings. The bridge was prettily decorated with rows of flags along the 
different spans, and emerging from it, the Tudor arch, with its battle- 
ments and flags, loomed in view. The Post Office building was covered 
with evergreen festoonings and wreaths, tastefully arranged. Over the 
door was the Prince of Wales plume, and on each side the letters A. E. 
Above this, extending the whole length of the building, were the words, 
in bold letters, "A thousand welcomes to the Prince." Continuing on 
towards George street, every building was decorated. McKellar and 
Cameron's had the appropriate motto "pro Regina et Patria." Ormond 
& Gilmour's was wreathed with evergreen and red maple bows. Facing 
Hunter street were the Royal Arms and the triple plume, and the mottoes 
"Our Queen and the land we live in," and "Thrice welcome to England's 
future King." Facing George street were the words "Victoria, Albert," 
and, in the corner window, a very handsome Prince of Wales plume made 
with flowers. Turning up George street, Swaynes cabinet shop was 
handsomely wreathed with evergreens. Over the entrance was a triple 
plume of spruce branches, and above it a beaver, with the motto c -labor 
omnia vincet." Opposite this, McGregor's hotel was elaborately decorated 
with wreaths and festoonings of evergreens, interspersed with rosettes of 
red, white and blue, and having a beautiful crown, projecting from one of 
the galleries. Following still the line marked out for the procession, Miss 
Bailey's house on Water street displayed the words "welcome" iu ever- 
green, and Messrs. Johnston's the words "Long live the Prince." All 
along Water street the same tasteful display was visible. Over Dr. Burn- 
ham's gate the word "welcome" was placed, and the fence wreathed ; and 
along George street to the arch was planted with spruce trees. Passing 
the corner of Hunter street again, and continuing down George street, 
Kempt's Medical Hall had a very pretty balcony of evergreens raised above 
the shop door, draped with flowers, and having upon it a very handsome 
crown of flowers. On the balcony were the words "Welcome, Albert 
Prince of Wales." From the building was hung a handsome white banner 
with the Royal Arms painted upon it. Cluxton's, Stevenson's and Brad- 
burn's four story buildings were very handsomely decorated. A large flag 
waved above the building, and from the roof, overhanging the street, a 
great number of flags and streamers were suspended. A handsome festoon- 
ing of red, white and blue fell from the cornice, and along the face of the 
buildings ; on white (■loth, were the words, in large letters, "Welcome. 
Albert. Edward, Prince of Wales." Below this were the words "Rejoice, 



77 

Canada is honoured tibia day," and the Royal Arras with a wreath of ever- 
green around it. Further down, the market block had arouud the roof, 
above the cornice, a chain of evergreens, with posts every six feet, sur- 
mounted by flags. Across the street from the building to the opposite 
side were hung flags, one very fine one with the Prince of Wales plume 
upon it. From every window a flag was suspended, and on the top of the 
building a couple of large flags were raised on tall flag staffs. In front of 
the Review office was a beaver surrounded by maple leaves and a crown of 
flowers, and over the door of the Toronto bank was a handsome white triple 
plume. The Examiner office was almost covered with evergreens. It 
had the word ''welcome" in spruce, and a couple of sheaves of wheat capped 
the whole. Caisse's hotel had a flag from every window, and a couple on 
the roof. The awning in front was very handsomely wreathed with ever- 
greens, and at intervals along it were placed coloured lamps. From Ryan's 
and Poole's flags were hung. Going round the market square, the Town 
Hall was wreathed with evergreens, and along the verandah, at intervals, 
were placed flags. The Bank of Montreal was very handsomely decorated. 
Round the door was a wreath of evergreens surmounted by an evergreen 
triple plume. On the face of the building, in letters beautifully formed of 
spruce, and placed on crimson cloth, were the words "Welcome, A. E. 
Prince of Wales." Messrs. Nicholls & Hall's premises were festooned with 
red, white and blue cloth, and flags and evergreens, and had a very imposing 
appearance." 

" Besides these, every building had something to indicate the warmth of 
the reception. Hosts of "Welcomes" and "Bien venus" printed on paper 
could be seen, and away in the country as far as the eye could stretch, 
flags flying indicated the loyalty of the people. Throughout the whole 
town there was scarcely one house without its flag or green bow ; along 
the line of procession there was only one dark undecorated spot. It was a 
stone building near Lannin's hotel." 

" The day for which all this activity of preparation had been shown was 
as fine a one as could be desired. During the preceding night the streets 
had been watered, and along the route of the procession there was compara- 
tively little dust. About nine o'clock the children were arranged in their 
seats, and about ten the Rifle Company marched over to the Railway 
station. An immense crowd had gathered, and about, half-past ten the 
Temperance bodies arrived on the ground, dressed in their regalia, and 
having their flags unfurled. The train arrived about half-past eleven, 



78 

As it approached, the crowd sent up a cheer such as has seldom rent the 
air in this neighborhood, and a general rush was made for the platform. 
With the greatest difficulty the space for the carriages was kept clear. 
As soon as His Royal Highness, who was dressed in plain clothes, entered 
his carriage, the Rifle Company presented arms. Some little delay 
occurred in getting the procession started, owing to the crush of people ; 
but it was soon got over, and left in the following order : — 

Marshal, on horseback, 

Two Deputy Marshals, on horseback, 

Warden and Counties Council, in carriages, 

Mayor and Town Council, in carriages, 

Sheriff and County Judge, in carriage, 

Carriage with 

PRINCE and GOVERNOR GENERAL, 

And the Rifle Company as a Guard of 

honour marching on each side 

of the carriage. 

The Duke of Newcastle, Earl St. Germains, 

General Bruce and others of the Prince's 

suite in carriages. 

Members of the Legislature, in carriages, 

Executive Committee, in carriages, 

Band, 

Two Marshals, on horseback* 

Temperance Organizations, 

Inhabitants. 

The procession moved forward in this order through Ashburnham, the 
road on each side being crowded with people, who cheered heartily, and 
crossed the bridge. As it passed through the arch on Hunter street, the 
people who were crowded on the high sloping ground on either side, sent 
forth cheer after cheer, the ladies in the windows waived their handker- 
chiefs, and threw bouquets to the Prince, and the wildest enthusiasm pre- 
vailed until he reached the Court House grounds. Here he alighted from 
his carriage, and, with his suite, ascended the dais ; the County Council 
taking up a position at his right, the Town Council and Committee at his 
left, and the Rifle Company on each side of the platform in a space reserv- 
ed for them. As soon as he appeared on the platform, the thousand 
children who occupied the seats immediately in front, and who were most 



70 

neatly dressed, sang, under the direction of Mr. Glover and Mrs. Iteath- 
tield, as follows : — 

"God save our gracious Queen. 
Long may Victoria reign, 
God save the Queen. 
Send her victorious, 
Happy and glorious. 
Long to reign over us, 
God save the Queen !" 

"Thy choicest gifts in store, 
On her be pleased to pour, 
Long may she reign. 

May she defend our laws, 

And ever give us cause, 

To sing with heart and voice, 
God save the Queen i" 

"Grant, Lord, our fervent prayer, 
Still for old England's heir, 
Thy love evince. 

Watch o'er his early days, 

Guide him in wisdom's ways, 

So shall he sing Thy praise, 
God save the Prince !" 

"The singing was very good indeed, and the appearance of the children most 
commendable. The Prince and those with him seemed much delighted 
with the view from the dais. The fine sloping ground in front, gave to 
the 15,000 people assembled an ample opportunity to see the Royal party, 
and to be seen to the best advantage by them ; and we doubt whether, 
since his arrival in this country, he has stood before a happier, a more 
industrious, or a more loyal people." 

After the singing, addresses were read by William Lang, Esq., Warden, 
on behalf of the county, and by Augustus Sawers, Esq., Mayor, from the 
town, to which the Prince replied : — 

" Gentlemen : — I thank you sincerely for the address which you 
have presented to me. 

"In the Queen's name I acknowledge the expressions of your loyalty to 
her crown and person ; and for myself I am grateful to you for this welcome 
to your neighborhood." 

A deputation from Cavan also presented an address, signed by John 



80 

Swaiu, Esq., llecve of that township, for which His Royal Highness 
expressed his cordial thanks." 

" After the presentation of the addresses, the Governor General, having 
intimated that the limited time at the disposal of His Pioyal Highness, would 
compel him to move rapidly through the town, the Rifle Company marched 
directly to the Port Hope station, to receive the Prince when he came up. 
The procession passed through the principal streets, the crowds cheering 
lustily as before, and as the Prince's carriage passed under the lumberer's 
arch, the men on it raised such a cheer as proved that the capacity of their 
voices was quite equal to the magnificent proportions of their persons. In 
a little less than an hour from the time the Prince arrived, he entered his 
car from the platform on Hunter street, and left, leaving after him thou- 
sands of hearts beating not only with a warm loyalty to his Royal Mother, 
but a whole souled personal attachment to himself. 

" Iu the evening, Caisse's hotel was brilliantly illuminated, and tire-works 
were set off from the building. A large crowd of persons were in the 
streets to witness the display, which lasted until about ten o'clock, after 
which all went quietly home ; the events of the day having passed over 
without any disturbance of the public peace, and without a single accident 
or mishap to detract from its enjoyment. It was indeed a day of pleasure 
without one particle of alloy. Long will the visit of the Prince of Wales 
to Peterborough be cherished as the brightest, happiest day she has 
known." 



CHAPTER XV. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 

During the year 1861, Peterborough was visited by three severe fires; 
the most extensive of which occurred in August of that year, and swept 
nearly the entire square, bounded by George, Simcoe, Water and Hunter 
Streets. A few shops on the north-western corner, the shops of Messrs. 
Nicholls & Hall, and one or two others on the south of the block indicated, 
were all that escaped the fury of the flames. Twenty-nine places of busi- 
ness were burned, and a scene of desolation marked the very centre of the 
town. Thanks to the energy and enterprise of our citizens, the ground 



81 

thus denuded has been rebuilt, and a better class of buildings have taken 
the places of the former ones ; many of which were of wood, and furnished 
ready fuel to the fire. The present Post Office block, of three stories, 
erected in 18G1, is one of these, and so also arc the tasteful brick stores 
on the eastern side of George street, now in the very heart of the business 
portion of the town. 

Notwithstanding the serious loss to the town by this and other fires, it 
was not until November, 1862, that a Fire Company was fully organized, 
and proper steps taken to secure the usefulness of the engine, hose, &c. 

Before concluding our reference to the buildings of Peterborough, we 
add that the fine block owned by James Stevenson and Thomas Bradburn, 
Esquires, consisting of two large shops, of four stories each, was erected 
during 1860. The fine row of numerous white brick stores, extending 
from these southward to Simcoe street, the property of Mrs. Joseph. Dixon, 
were all, excepting two towards the centre, erected in the autumn of 1865, 
or summer of 1866. after the wooden buildings which occupied their site 
had been destroyed by fire. 

Two prominent citizens passed away from earth during the year 1861. 
One of these, Augustus Sawers, Esq., was during the previous year Mayor 
of the town, had some years previously founded the Examiner newspaper, 
and was for a time its Editor and Proprietor. For a few years previous 
to his death he took an active part in politics, and had warm friends and 
strenuous opponents. "He was possessed of a good physical constitution, a 
vigorous and cultivated mind, a quick perception, and a happy facility in 
expressing his views, either by speaking or writing." His decease occurred 
on the 6th of August, 1861, in his 42nd year. His remains were interred 
in the Little Lake Cemetery. 

The other gentleman to whom reference has been made was Colonel 
Alexander McDonell, whose early services and long public career in this 
county require a more extended notice. 

The late Col. Alexander McDonell came to this country with his uncle, 
the late Bishop McDonell, of Kingston, when a mere boy, and before the 
year 1812. During that war, he held a commission as a cadet attached to 
the Canadian fencibles, and was present at and took part in the battle of 
Sackett's harbor. In 1825, he was employed by the Hon. Peter Robin- 
son to assist in locating on their lands the immigrants of that year, and 

12 



• 82 

subsequently filled the position of Immigrant Agent aud Crown Laud 
Agent for this eounty. 

In the years 1834 and 1836 he was elected to Parliament for the North 
Riding of the Newcastle District, and was again a candidate at the election 
for the Colborne District in 1841, but was defeated by Dr. Gilchrist, who 
also superseded him in the office of Crown Land Agent. During the 
rebellion of 1837-8, as has been already stated, he was in command of the 
second battalion of Northumberland militia. For several years previous 
to his death, he had taken no prominent part in public affairs, but lived as 
a retired gentleman, chiefly at Caisse's hotel, where he died suddenly, on 
the 29th of November, 1861. 

" He was by birth a Scotchman, a Roman Catholic in religious faith, 
and was 75 years of age. The funeral took place on Sunday, and was 
attended by a number of our oLlest and most respected townsmen. The 
Rifle Company and band also paid the last tribute of honor to the remains, 
by following in the procession, the band playing the dead march. His 
remains were interred in the Little Lake Cemetery." 

A few more data and we have done with this portion of our task. In 
1861 the present new Registry office was built, but was not occupied until 
1863. It was intended to be completely fireproof not only without, but also 
from within. 

The improvement in the Court House park, and also the fencing of 
that enclosure were commenced in 1863, and completed during the fol- 
lowing year. 

On the 1st of January, 1863, the separation of the County of Victoria 
from that of Peterborough, took effect, and thenceforward that county 
was launched upon a separate and independent municipal existence. 

On the 6th of May, 1864, the Town Hall bell was erected in its present 
position in the Market House tower. Its weight is 902 pounds, and its 
total cost to the town $400. " On its being placed on its supports, Mr. 
Chief Engineer Helm, ascended the belfry, and amidst the cheers of the 
bystanders, broke upon it a bottle of wine, and in the name of the Fire 
Brigade called it 'Protection.' " 

The corner stone of the present new Jail was laid, in presence of the 
Sheriff and County officers, on the 9th of June, 1864, and that structure 
completed during the ensuing year. The following are the names of the 
gentlemen composing the Building Committee who were entrusted by the 



83 

County Council with the erection of this important structure : — P. M. 
Grover, Esq., chairman, R. D. Rogers, John Walton, Peter Pcarce, Francis 
Crow and R. E. Birdsall, Esquires. 

The following extract from their final report, dated January, 1866, is of 
interest in this connection : — 

u The total cost of the new jail, as now completed, amounts to the sum 
of $16,103.35, of which sum the Government paid $6,000. Items of cost 
are as follows : — 

Mr. Grant, for original contract $12,054 00 

Extra work 1,469 73 

Alterations as per order of Inspector 861 16 

Architect's supervision and plans, furniture, stoves, water-pipes, 
heating apparatus, and further alterations suggested by 
the Inspector, including all expenses of supervision 1,718 46 



$16,103 35 
On the 27th day of July, 1864, W. S. Conger, Esq., M. P. P. for this 
county, departed this life, at his residence in Peterborough, deeply regret- 
ted by a large circle of friends, both personal and political. The following 
brief details of his career are here presented. 

About the year 1829, he commenced business in Cobourg as a merchant. 
He seems to have had an early peach nit for public life, for in the election 
for the Newcastle District in 1834 he was a candidate for Parliament, but 
was unsuccessful. During the rebellion of 1837-8, he took a prominent 
part in support of the Government, and it is said organized and equipped 
a company of militia mainly at his own expense. On the organization of 
the Colborne District in 1842, he was appointed Sheriff, and continued 
for fourteen years to discharge the duties of that office to the satisfaction 
of all. In 1856, he resigned the Shrievalty, and entered upon the chequer- 
ed and uncertain issues of party political life, with what result has already 
been stated in these pages. In 1863, both the political parties in this 
county concurred in his election, which was by .acclamation ; and it was 
while zealously prosecuting his parliamentary duties, and especially fur- 
thering his great idea of a ship canal through the waters of the Trent and 
Otonabee, that he contracted the fatal illness, which, after long prostration, 
terminated in his death. 

Mr. Conger was courteous and affable in the discharge of his duties as 

12* 



84 

Sheriff. Both as a citizen and a representative of the people, he was fore- 
most in assisting in carrying out projects of interest and utility to the 
town and county. The Little Lake Cemetery Company was formed chiefly 
under his auspices ; the County Agricultural Society received a large 
share of his attention, while the opening up and settlement of the back 
country was an object he especially sought to promote, and which he lived 
to see to a great extent accomplished. 

His remains were interred in the Little Lake Cemetery, and during the 
present autumn (18G6) a neat and substantial monument was there erected 
to his memory, by his personal and political friends, aided by a grant from 
the funds of the County Council. 

In September, 1861, a severe election contest for the representation of 
the Trent Division, was held between the Hon. Sidney Smith, (formerly 
of Cobourg, but who soon after this event took up his residence in Peter- 
borough) and Billa Flint, Esq., of Belleville. The Hon. S. Smith was 
elected by a majority of 180. In consequence of his resignation in 1864, 
Mr. Flint again presented his claims to the electors, and was this time 
returned without opposition. This election by acclamation was held in 
September of that year. 

The Hon. Billa Flint, M. L. C, has shewn himself not an unworthy 
representative of this large electoral Division. One of his recent public- 
acts is worthy of mention here, and of transmission to posterity :— -During 
the years 1865 and 1866, he has donated from his private means, the sum 
of ten dollars to each township, or union of townships in the entire Trent 
Division ; an area which embraces the County of Peterborough, the North 
Biding of the County of Hastings, and the County of Lennox. 

This munificent gift, which he announces it to be his intention to con- 
tinue, is intended by the donor to be applied in the purchase of prize books, 
for the encouragement of meritorious pupils at our public schools. The 
only condition attached to it is, that an equal sum shall be granted by the 
municipality receiving it towards the same object. This praiseworthy 
design has been carried out in nearly every township in the Division, and 
thereby much good no doubt effected, as well ns an example presented 
worthy of imitation. 

In 1863, W. S. Conger, Esq., was elected, without opposition, to repre- 
sent this constituency,— Col. Ilaultain having voluntarily retired from the 
field. On the death of Mr. Conger in July, 1864, C<»1. Haultain again 



85 . 

became a candidate, and defeated his opponent — Charles Perry, Esq. } — by 
a majority of 106. 

Col. Haultain is still member of Parliament for this town and county. 
We enter not here into the merits of the political issues resulting in his 
election, or of his subsequent career. Suffice it to say that he has been 
assiduous, and no doubt conscientious, in the discharge of his public 
duties, and continues to possess the esteem and confidence of a large por- 
tion of the constituency which he represents. 

In a future page, and at the close of the portion of this work treating 
of the town and county as a whole, will be found a tabular statement, 
embodying in small space, for convenience of reference, the facts of the 
several elections referred to in these pages. 

Since the foregoing chapters were written, and while passing through the 
press, another old resident of the county, and a prominent citizen, has 
passed away from earth. Captain Andreav Simon Fraser, J. P., died on 
Tuesday, the 13th day of November, 1866, in his 71st year. His had 
been an eventful [career. A native of Roxboroughshire, Scotland, he 
entered the British army at the age of fifteen, passed through the Penin- 
sular war, and took part in the battles of Quatre-bras and Waterloo, after 
which he retired from the army, with the rank of Lieutenant, and on half 
pay. In 1833, he settled in Verulam, in the adjoining county, and in 
1847 became a resident of the Town of Peterborough. His name appears 
in a previous page, as Captain in the 7th Provisional Battalion of Peterbo- 
rough Militia, established during the eventful times of 1838. For many 
years he was a leading Justice of the Peace in the town and county, and 
was universally respected and esteemed by all who had the pleasure of his 
acquaintance. His remains were interred in the Little Lake Cemetery. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



THE RAILROAD ERA. 

The project for the construction of the Grand Junction Railroad, to 
connect the river St. Lawrence with the Georgian Bay, began to be discussed 
in 1851 ; and the County Council voted £450, and soon after £400 more, 



86 

towards the expenses of a preliminary survey and report in reference to it. 
This action was followed in 1853 by the passing of a by-law pledging the 
county to take stock in that enterprize to the extent of £100,000. This 
by-hw was submitted to the several municipalities in the United Counties, 
for approval, and adopted by all except the township of Otonabee, in which 
the vote was almost unanimous against it. During the same year, this 
projected road was amalgamated with the Grand Trunk Railroad, in 
consequence of which the municipalities were relieved from liability for 
the stock subscribed. 

High hopes were for a time entertained of the construction and success 
of this road, and some reckless speculation in land resulted ; but owing to 
the breaking out of the Crimean war, and the stringency of the money 
market which attended it, together with the embarassment of the Grand 
Trunk company consequent upon these events, and other causes, this 
great work was not undertaken, and the hopes which it had raised, and 
the fortunate investments it had promised, were doomed to disappointment. 

Railway magnates at that time showered their attentions liberally on 
Peterborough. During the session of 1852-3, a charter was granted for a 
railroad from Kingston to Peterborough ; the Cobourg and Peterborough 
railway charter was obtained at the same time, and an amendment of the 
former charter of the Port Hope and Peterborough railway was also 
granted, which authorized that company to build an extension from any 
point on the original line into the County of Victoria as far as the western 
boundary of the township of Mariposa. 

Although Peterborough was the proposed terminus of both the Cobourg 
and Port Hope railroads, and was consequently largely interested in the 
construction of one or both, she persistently refused to contribute the 
smallest aid to either, and the result was, that while through the enterprise 
of the people of Cobourg, that road was pushed forward, in spite of all 
obstacles, and opened for traffic in the autumn of 1854, the Port Hope 
company turned their attention towards Lindsay, and after great difficul- 
ties, caused in chief part by the nature of the ground, they completed 
their road to that town in the year following. 

Peterborough had thus, by means of the Cobourg road, secured the 
advantages of an outlet by rail, without incurring the slightest risk or 
expenditure, and its benefits were at once felt in the great impulse given 
to nearly every branch of trade, but especially was this true in regard to 



87 

sawn lumber, the export of which, from three or four million feet annually, 
at once increased to twenty millions, and in 1858 had increased to about 
twenty-seven millions of feet,* and to a still larger figure in later years. 

But unfortunately for Peterborough, this line failed to prove permanent. 
The bridge across llice Lake, built upon piles and piers, and about three 
miles in length, was terribly shaken during the winters of 1855-6-7, by the 
action of the ice; so that for weeks together, Peterborough was without 
railway communication with the front. The position was all the worse, 
from the fact, that the trade of the fiue townships west of Peterborough, 
which might easily have been centred here, was being diverted to the sta- 
tions, and passing off along the line, of the Port Hope and Lindsay road, 
then completed and in active operation. Soon after that line was opened to 
Lindsay, John Fowler, Esq., became its Lessee and Managing Director ; 
and, fully impressed with the importance of securing the trade of Peter- 
borough, as a feeder for that line, and also of the case with which a branch 
line could be built through the almost continuous flat and swampy land 
lying in the direct line between Millbrook and Peterborough, he commenced 
a vigorous agitation in reference to its construction. The existing Port 
Hope, Lindsay and Beavcrton railway company were unable to build it; 
and Mr. Fowler's plan was to get the corporations of Port Hope and 
Peterborough mainly to construct it, and then lease it from the company 
for a term of years for a nominal sum, but guaranteeing to the corporations 
named 6 per cent, on the stock subscribed, to be paid annually. Port 
Hope saw at once the importance of securing even a portion of this trade, 
and promptly subscribed £10,000 stock. Messrs. Tate and Fowler sup- 
plied another £10,000, and the town of Peterborough, after much discus- 
sion, adopted a by-law guaranteeing £30,000 for the same purpose. From 
these sources, but mainly through the energy and perseverance of Mr. 
John Fowler, the road was commenced in the fall of 1857, and on the 
20th of May, 1858, a train passed over it with the Government Inspecting 
Engineers. " On the 21st, a party composed of the Railway Board and 
Town Council of Port Hope came to Peterborough, and on the 24th, owing 
to the kindness of the contractor, a free excursion of 3000 people from 
Port Hope visited Peterborough ; while on the 31st, a return excursion 
from Peterborough to Port Hope was made."f Peterborough was thus, 
by means of the branch to the main line at Millbrook, provided with a 



* Directory. 1858. (T. & R. White.) 
f Ibid. 



88 

second outlet by rail to the front, which, besides proving permanent, has 
been of indispcnsible utility to the town, and has also in no small degree 
tended to increase the prosperity of Port Hope. So well pleased, indeed, 
was that town with the result of the investment of £10,000, in this branch 
road, that she has never asked nor received a penny of direct return, 
although entitled to six per cent, upon the same annually. It may be 
mentioned, however, that Port Hope profited very largely about that time 
from the Municipal Loan Fuud, and, as well as Peterborough, was well 
repaid for this investment by its indirect advantages. 

In order to provide the money for this investment of £30,000, the then 
member for Peterborough, W. S. Conger, Esq., secured for the town, 
Municipal Loan Fund debentures to the extent of £25,000 about to be 
surrendered to the Government by the township of Wolford, The actual 
proceeds of these, however, was only £20,677 Gs. 3d, and some months later, 
the Town of Peterborough issued debentures to the amount of £12,500, 
to complete the sum subscribed. 

The security held by the town for the payment of six per cent, interest 
on the £30,000 stock originally taken by the town, consisted in a mortgage 
upon the lease held by the Lessees of the branch from the Port Hope, 
Lindsay and Beaverton railway company, and as it was extremely doubtful 
that the town could recover • its claim under such a mortgage, and the 
interest being in arrears, a compromise was accepted in 1861, whereby the 
Lessees agreed to pay to the Government for the town, the five cents in 
the dollar levied by Act of Parliament on account of Municipal Loan 
Fund indebtedness ; thus relieving the town of any debt or embarrassment 
on £25,000 of the stock taken. Under the circumstances, this was con- 
sidered so favourable a settlement of a claim which, possibly, could not be 
enforced, that it was agreed to waive any direct returns on the £12,500 
additional debt incurred on account of this stock. Under this arrange- 
ment the town would have been permanently relieved, for all time to come, 
of the liability claimed by the Government (namely, five cents in the dollar) 
on the Municipal • Loan Fund debentures. But a final settlement, less 
advantageous to the town, was effected in 1863, and embodied in an Act 
of Parliament passed on the 15th of October of that year. The Act recites 
the terms of the previous arrangements, including the mortgage and lease, 
and then confirms " an agreement made by and between the Lessees and 
the Town of Peterborough, whereby the amount secured by the mortgage 
on the lease held by the Lessees, and payable to the town, is reduced or 



89 

changed to the principal sum of nineteen thousand seven hundred pounds, 
[three hundred pounds having been (hen already paid], and interest 
thereon at six per cent., payable as follows, that is to say : the sum of three 
hundred pounds, part of the said principal sum of nineteen thousand seven 
hundred pounds, on the first day of January in each year, until the whole 
of said principal sum be fully paid, and the said interest at the rate of six 
per cent, per annum upon the principal unpaid, in six equal payments, on 
the first days of May, June, July, August, September and October in each 
year, until the whole sum is paid." 

Such was the last and final arrangement entered into between the rail- 
way authorities and the town, from which it will be obvious that the pay- 
ments to. be made by the railway to the town are every year diminishing, 
and in about sixty-six years from January, 1864, will entirely cease. 

Although in a few years the direct income from our railroad investment 
will be but small, it must be remembered that the indirect advantages of a 
permanent outlet by rail have already been very great, and that of all the 
towns in the Province, none has probably received greater advantages from 
railroads, and none has contributed less to their construction, than Peter- 
borough. 

As a practical illustration of the immense advantage to both town and 
county of such a road, we quote the following as a specimen of the state 
of things before the railroad era. The Peterborough Despatch of July 
29th, 1847, says:— 

"From 25s. to 30s. per ton freight is paid for goods. For nearly two 
weeks we have scarcely been able to get a trunk conveyed to Port Hope or 
Cobourg. The journey of thirty miles to Lake Ontario now occupies ten 
hours, and some articles, such as salt and plaster, are in a great measure 
shut out from us by the expense of freight. The saw mills of our town 
and neighborhood can cut upwards of 60,000 feet per day, but are often 
in a great measure idle for want of a market for lumber, owing to the ex- 
pense of transit." 

As a further illustration of the same truth, we remark that in the winter 
of 1836, with no railroad in any part of the country, wheat in Peterbo- 
rough was worth only 37^- cents per bushel, and fifty cents in Port Hope. 
In March 2nd, 1848, the Despatch says : — " The town presented a 
pleasing appearance to-day. The farmers are taking advantage of the 
slight fall of snow we have had, and are hurrying their produce into the 

13 



90 

market. The prices to-day are as follows :— Fall wheat 3s. 9d., Spring- 
do. 3s. 3d., Oats per bushel 9d. to 10d., Hay, per ton, 27s. 6d. to 30s." 

This isolation of trade, stagnation of business, and low prices of produce, 
sold too at the latter end of the season, contrast strongly with the regular 
communication, prompt transit, excellent prices for produce, and the 
speedy convertibility of all kinds of marketable produce into cash, which 
we of late years enjoy, and which have long since repaid to the community 
many times the amount of stock invested in securing it. 

During the summer of 1857, the bridge across Rice Lake on the Co- 
bourg and Peterborough railway, was inspected by Walter Shanley, Esq., 
Civil Engineer, with a view to filling it up as a permanent embankment. 
The cost of doing so he estimated at £50,000, and expressed an opinion 
in favor of the feasibility of its being made in this way a permanent struc- 
ture. A considerable portion of the bridge, towards the south shore, was 
actually filled in ; but the embarrassments of the road, and the great 
expense of the undertaking, put a stop to further outlay, and the road, 
after being in operation at intervals for six years, was finally closed in the 
autumn of 1860 ; and the abandoned bridge, from which the iron was in 
great part removed, has ceased to form a connection between the opposite 
shores, but still remains in part, a monument of the folly of misdirected 
enterprise. This result is greatly to be deplored, as the public spirit 
shewn by the citizens of Oobourg in pushing forward this line of road was 
deserving of a better fate. 

Hopes are still entertained that the bridge will be resuscitated and the 
line re-opened, and trains are still run to Harwood on the south shore of 
Rice Lake, where a connection is formed with steamers, which, during the 
summer months, ply between Peterborough and the Village of Hastings 
and that point ; and in this way a large quantity of sawn lumber from this 
county still finds an outlet by way of Cobourg. 

The original charter of the Cobourg road empowered that company to 
extend their line to Chemong or Mud Lake, but this right expired in 1854 
from non-usage. A charter was then obtained for a separate company, 
having power to form a connection between Peterborough and Chemong 
Lake, either by a rail or tram road, and passing up either side of the 
Otonabee river. During 1857-8 this road was commenced as an extension 
of the Cobourg road, and completed as far as Perry's (now A. H. Camp- 
bell & Co's,) mills, about three miles up the river. The stock was origi- 



91 

nally taken by persons in the Cobourg interest; but more than half was 
afterwards purchased by stockholders of the rival line, so that of late years, 
the Port Hope company had virtual control of the Peterborough and 
Chemong line, which since 1860 has been useless to either road. 

During 1865, an attempt was made by the Port Hope company to form 
a connection between the branch running into Peterborough and this 
Chemong road, by continuing their rails along the bank of the river, and 
crossing the same at Dickson's dam, and so effecting the desired junction ; 
but this action was opposed by the Cobourg interest, chiefly on the grounds, 
that such an extension was not contemplated in the original charter of the 
Port Hope and Peterborough road, and also that the amalgamation of these 
two roads might prove prejudicial to the resuscitation of the Cobourg road, 
to which it had formerly been a feeder. 

The charter of the Peterborough and Chemong road had again expired 
without its completion, and during the last session of Parliament (1866) 
an Act was passed, requiring the public sale of this road to the highest 
bidder, and while authorizing the Port Hope railroad company to effect 
the connection they desired, provided also, that both companies should have 
full powers to run over this road, if they so desired, by paying a reasona- 
ble remuneration for its use to the company by which it might be acquired. 
Under all the circumstances this arrangement was fair to both parties, and 
gave general satisfaction to them and to the puolic. 

The necessary works are now in progress to connect the Peterborough 
branch of the Port Hope road with the Chemong road, in the manner 
already described, and it is hoped that ere long, trains will pass up the 
river by this new route, to the extensive mills which line its banks ; that 
Lakefield and Chemong Lake will also be reached, and that thus an impetus 
will be given to the still greater export of lumber from the back country, 
and also that our fine water power will be extensively utilized in various 
branches of manufacture for which it is so well adapted. 



13* 



92 
CHAPTER XVII. 



THE LUMBER TRADE. 

Square Timher. — The lumber trade is one which, from its importance, 
requires at least a passing notice in a work of this kind. To it this town 
and county owe a large share of their past success and present prosperity. 
All our older townships have now for some years been denuded of the 
valuable timber, which, at the period of their first settlement, grew to a 
great size and in large numbers upon nearly every lot ; and as the manu- 
facture of square timber and sawn lumber gradually attained its present 
immense development, it had to be sought every year further in the inte- 
rior; till now, the new and comparatively remote townships in "the back 
country," as it is called, are mainly to be depended upon for a supply. 

With the present annual drain from these, it is to be expected that, as 
time progresses, the main operations of this gigantic business will be carried 
on at a distance remote from us, and that less of its profits and advantages 
will be felt in our own immediate vicinity. The great staple of this trade, 
both for square timber and sawn lumber, is white pine. Formerly, before 
we had learned its value as an article of export, it was burned up in log- 
heaps or split into fence rails, and a considerable portion of the elm and 
oak of the older townships shared the same fate. Red pine exists but 
sparingly, and though some excellent spars of this timber are still sent to 
Quebec from this county, the care required in their preparation, and the 
expense attending their removal, have, in general, left but a limited margin 
of profit for the manufacturer. 

The square timber business is of comparatively recent date. As early 
as 1838, Mr. Hickson removed a quantity of spars from the vicinity of 
Buckhorn lake ; but his chief operations, and those of the Messrs. Grilmour, 
were confined to the townships fronting on the Otonabee and Trent rivers. 
Mr. Hickson then resided in the corner building, formerly Might's, and 
now WaddeH's saddlery, in the Town of Peterborough. Not until 1844 
was much of this business extended above Lakefield, and Mr. John Cook, 
and his son Ira, were among the first to commence its manufacture on our 
back waters to any large extent. Their and the Messrs. Gilmour's oper- 
ations for a few years were confined to the waters above and adjacent to 
Burleigh falls. 



93 

Mossom Boyd, Esq., was one of the earliest manufacturers of square 
timber above Buckhorn falls. lie commenced at first to produce 
sawn lumber for local supply, but ere long began the manufacture of 
square timber in large quantity, for the Quebec market. It was not for 
several years later, that the vast timber region on Pigeon Lake and its 
tributaries, was thus made to contribute its quota to this important 
trade. 

About the year 1847, Charles Perry, Esq., entered into the same busi- 
ness, and for five or six years carried it on with the greatest success, both 
as regards square timber and sawn lumber. Then came a host of enter- 
prising men in the square timber business, among whom were, Messrs. 
Kempt, McAulcy, Dickson, Townseud, Piatt, Cockburn, Fowlds, Gilchrist, 
Dennistoun, Leeper, Strickland, Short, Scott, Buck, Stone, Smith, Caldwell, 
Thompson and others, who, during the last twenty years, have thinned our 
forests, and swelled the export of this great staple to an enormous extent. 
An immense amount of capital is every year invested in these operations, 
and in carrying them on a home market is created which proves of the 
utmost advantage to our agriculturists and others. 

The quantity of square timber manufactured in this county varies with 
the exigencies of the trade. As the supply becomes exhausted, the natural 
tendency of this as well as the sawn lumber trade, will be to dimish rather 
than increase in the extent of its operations. But this effect can hardly 
as yet be said to have been felt. The more extensive operations, however, 
have to be every year pushed further into the interior. In 1852, the 
quantity of square timber from the entire county was estimated at 1,600,- 
000 feet. In the season of 1864-5, 3,500,000 feet were exported from this . 
county, and about 1,500,000 from the neighboring county of Victoria. 
During the lumbering season of 1865-6, the quantity passing down the 
Otonabee was about 2,000,000 feet, to which 500,000 more may be added 
for the eastern portion of the county, finding an outlet by way of Crow 
river. The present season (1866-7) promises a quantity in advance of 
last year, the extent of which it would be premature at present to attempt 
to estimate. 

Sawn Lumber. — The sawn lumber business is of perhaps still greater 
importance to the community than the manufacture of square timber. 
Since the early settlement of the county, saw mills have existed in numer- 
ous localities, but their chief scope for many years consisted in supplying 
the home demand in their several localities. Since 1850, attention hag 



94 

been turned to a large extent to the manufacturing of sawn lumber for the 
American market, and the magnificent water power furnished by the rapidly 
descending waters of the Otonabee, in the vicinity of Peterborough, has 
been largely utilized for this purpose. 

Samuel Dickson, Esq., was among the earliest manufacturers of this 
great staple, in the neighborhood of Peterborough, and has built and own- 
ed several mills for carrying on this business. He still manufactures a 
large quantity at his mill in close proximity to Dickson's dam. Mr. Wil- 
liam Snyder built his mill in 1852, and Mr. James Bird, the Blythe saw 
mill, about the same time. This was burned down in 1863, and rebuilt 
by Mr. George Hilliard during the following year. The Nassau Mill, the 
largest in the county, and one of the finest in the Province, situated at a 
distance of three miles from Peterborough, was built in 1854, by Charles 
Perry, Esq. " It has two 'Yankee Gangs', a 'Slabber', 'Stock Gang', and 
an 'English Gate', containing in all 130 saws, besides circulars for butting, 
cutting laths, &c. It has also a very ingenious machine for grinding slabs. 
This mill has cut 90,000 feet in twelve hours." * It is now carried on by 
Messrs. Campbell & Co. Other saw mills in the vicinity of Peterborough, 
are, that built by E. Perry & Co., of Cobourg, on the Douro side of the river, 
opposite Snyder's mill, which has now been idle nearly two years. Messrs. 
Ludgate & McDougall have in active operation a large steam saw mill on 
the eastern shore of the Little Lake, built by Samuel Dickson, Esq. The 
saw mill of R. D. Rogers, Esq., in Ashburnham, of which Messrs. Craigie 
& Stephenson are lessees, continues at work throughout the year, and cuts 
about one million of feet annually, about 400,000 feet of which are for 
the American market, and the remainder for home consumption. 

Messrs. Shaw & Waite have at Lakefield a saw mill, which at present 
manufactures about two millions annually, but is capable of a much larger 
business were proper facilities available for transportation to a market. 
These gentlemen lease the large saw mill of John Hall, Esq., at Buckhorn, 
where from six to seven millions are manufactured annually. There are 
besides Mr. Seott's fine mill, on the Missasauga river, in Harvey, built 
some years ago by Mr. William Henry, the product of which this year is 
about four million feet ; the mill of M. Boyd, Esq., on Squaw river, in 
Harvey, manufacturing one and a half million feet annually ; while of the 
six or seven millions manufactured by Mr. Boyd in Bobcaygeon, (near the 



* Directory. 1858. (T. 4 B. White.) Page 65 



95 

boundary line between the two counties) probably one-half may be said to 
be drawn from the County of Peterborough. Then there are the mills of 
S. S. Kelly and Walter Scott, Esquires, at Chemong lake, the proceeds of 
which, when in operation, may -be estimated at half a million, and a mil- 
lion and a half is to be set down as the product of Messrs. Hale's mill, on the 
bank of the Otonabee river, in the township of that name. The Messrs. 
Fowlds, at Hastings, also manufacture from two to three millions annu- 
ally, the greater portion of which is from this county. 

To sum up the manufacture of the mills in operation this season, we 
have for export : — 

From Messrs. Campbell & Co's, Nassau Mills Ft.10,000,000 

" Mr. George Hilliard's, Blythe Mills 7,000,000 

" « Samuel Dickson's, Peterborough 6,000,000 

" Messrs. Ludgate & McDougall's steam mill 7,000,000 

" " Shaw & Waite, Buckhorn and Lakefield 9,000,000 

" Mr. Scott's mill, Ball lake 4,000,000 

" " M. Boyd's mill, Squaw river 1,500,000 

■" « half Bobcaygeon mill 3,000,000 

" Mr. S. S. Kelly's mill, Bridgenorth 250,000 

" Messrs. Hale's mill, Otonabee river 1,500,000 

" Craigie & Stephenson's, Ashburnham 400,000 

Fowlds', Hastings, say from this county 1,000,000 

Total for this county for 1866 Feet.50,650,000 

Showing a result, for the present season, of over fifty millions of feet ; 
which at Port Hope was worth $12 per 1000 feet. The returns on the 
product of this business carried on in this county, the present year, were 
the whole shipped to market, may therefore be estimated at $600,000. 
When it is remembered how large a portion of this will have been dis- 
bursed to the hundreds of men and the numerous teams employed in carry- 
ing on this immense business, as well as the other heavy items of expense 
attending its manufacture, it will be apparent, how important is this busi- 
ness to every man in the community, who is reached and benefited either 
directly or indirectly by some portion of this large outlay. 

About thirty-two millions feet of this lumber finds transit by way of 
Peterborough, and the greater portion of the remainder, is first transferred 
in boats or scows to Lindsay, and from there is passed over the railroad to 



96 

Port Hope. So great has been the manufacture this season, (notwith- 
standing two of our large mills have been idle) that a portion will have to 
remain over in the mill yards till next season. It may be added that so 
far as present appearances indicate, the season of 1866-7 will witness an 
increase in the operations of this trade of about thirty per cent. 

At present the sawn lumber manufactured for export in the vicinity of 
Peterborough, is all drawn by teams to the railway station, or to the head 
of navigation at "the locks" on the Otonabee river. During the year 
1865, nineteen millions of this was carried over the railway to Port Hope, 
and about twelve millions passed down the river in scows, in tow of the 
steamer Otonabee to Harwood, where it was placed on the railway, and. so 
conveyed to Cobourg. During 1866, a still larger quantity will have 
passed over the railroad to Port Hope, and about one-half the quantity of 
last year by the river and Harwood route. 

The operation of teaming such an immense quantity of lumber from the 
mills to the points mentioned, is one involving great labor and expense to 
the manufacturers ; although giving employment to a large number of 
teamsters and their horses. The constant passing of such heavily laden 
teams over our principal streets, rapidly wears out even the most substan- 
tial material employed in their repair, plows them into deep and unseemly 
ruts, and at certain seasons, renders them well nigh impassable to ordinary 
vehicles. 

These disadvantages, and the outlay they occasion, will be speedily 
obviated by the extension of the Port Hope railroad, along the river bank, 
so as to form a connection with the old Chemong line, which, passing 
up the river, will receive the product of several of the mills mentioned, 
in the mill yard. This important link of railway connection is now in 
active progress, and when completed, hopes are entertained that the 
improved facilities it will afford, may prove a stimulus to the establish- 
ment of other and numerous branches of manufacture, for which the 
immense water-power of the Otonabee furnishes such ample scope. 



97 
CHAPTER XVIII. 



(1.) POPULATION. 

The population of Peterborough in 1832 was less than 500. In 1838, 
the town contained not more than 150 houses, and a population probably 
between eight and nine hundred. The statistics of Peterborough are inex- 
tricably mingled with those of North Monaghan up till the period of its 
incorporation, so that its actual population during the years antecedent to 
that date, cannot be stated with accuracy. As has been shewn in the 
preceding pages, it continued steadily to improve, and at the time of it** 
incorporation contained 1800 inhabitants, 

At the general census taken in 1852, two years later, it had 333 houses, 
350 families, and a population of 2191. In 1855, this had increased to 
3400, in 1856 to 3600, and in 1861 to 3841. 

During the last two years, Peterborough, as well as nearly every town 
and city in the Province, suffered a diminution of population. The causes 
of this may in chief part be referred to the depression occasioned by a 
series of scant harvests in this Province, while at the same time considera- 
ble numbers of the mechanical and laboring classes were attracted to the 
neighboring Republic by the advance of wages consequent upon an expan- 
sion of nearly every branch of business, resulting from an inflated 
currency with which the immense outlay of four years' war inundated that 
country. 

The assessment roll for the town, in 1866 shewed the number of rate- 
payers for that year to be 1036, which would give a population of about 
4500. The total valuation of real and personal property in Peterborough, 
in 1857, was $987,768 ; while for 1866 this item stands at $1,480,450. 
The valuation of property, however, is not always made upon an uniform 
standard, and in different years is increased or diminished, as the judg- 
ment of the Assessors or the fluctuations of the times may seem to 
justify. 

In thus estimating the present population of Peterborough at 4500, it 
should be borne in mind that the numerous dwellings in what may be 
called the suburbs, situated just outside the limits of the town, are not 
taken into account, and that neither is the population of Ashburnham, 
immediately adjoining on the eastern side of the Otonabec river, included 
in this estimate. In 1861, Ashburnham had a population of 993. Last 

14 



98 

December it was ascertained to be 1129, which, with the residents of the 
'•suburbs" alluded to, would make the entire population of the town and 
its immediate appendages 5629. 

The last census, taken in 1861, showed the then population of Peterbo- 
rough and Ashburnham taken together, to be composed of the following 
nationalites : — Ireland 1068, England 451, Scotland 334, United 
States 173, Upper Canada 2466, Lower Canada 289, other countries 53. 

The same census shows that in Peterborough and Ashburnham there 
were in 1861, 2471 male and 2363 female inhabitants. There were 1523 
married and 3311 single persons. In 1860 there were in these two corpo- 
rations 50 deaths and 1 79 births, while 793 children were attending 
school. 

(2.) MANUFACTURES. 

Something has already been said in the preceding pages as to the grad- 
ual development of the several manufactures of Peterborough, and it 
remains now but to afford the reader some idea of the extent of business 
carried on in these branches of industry at the present time. To begin 
with — 

Flouring Mills. — The mill, owned by J. R. Benson, Esq., of which 
Messrs. Nicholls & Hall are now the lessees, manufactures about 20,000 
barrels of flour annually. That of E. D. Rogers, Esq., in Ashburnham, 
from 7 to 8000 barrels, but is capable of turning-out many more. During 
the year, the mill formerly mentioned as the late G. B. Hall's, Esq., but 
latterly known as Dickson's mill, was burned to the ground. The Blythe 
mills, situated a little distance above the town, the property of John 
Carnegie, Esq., Jr., met with this fate in the spring of 1864, but was 
re-built during that and the following season, and has manufactured 9000 
barrels during the past year, for exportation. Its capabilities are now in- 
creased, so as to admit of the manufacture of 200 barrels of flour daily. 
Besides this result, each of the mills mentioned does a large amount of 
gristing for home consumption, — a department which the mill of Gilmour 
& Co., Mr. Richard Parnell, miller, is wholly occupied in supplying. 

Woolen Factories. — The Auburn mills are situated about a mile above 
the northern limits of the town, on the eastern side of the Otonabee river. 
The building used is a substantial one of stone, of three stories and an 
attic, and was built in 1862-3, and since carried on by Messrs. A. Robert- 
son & Co., of Montreal. The main building is 79 x 44 feet in size ; 



99 

another one adjoining, which is at present in use as a store room, is 80 x 37 
icet, and was originally intcuded for an axe factory. The motive power is 
water, but steam is used for dyeing, scouring and heating ; for the latter 
purpose being conveyed by means of iron tubes to every part of the build- 
ing, producing a regular and genial warmth. There are 40 operatives 
employed in this establishment, 27 males and 13 females, several of whom, 
particularly at the looms, work by the piece, and earn excellent wages. 
There arc 9 looms, and 640 spindles kept in operation during the entire 
year. 'A couple of self-operating spinning machines, (a new British inven- 
tion) with 440 spindles, arc now being added to those formerly in use. 
These are among the first of the kind introduced into Canada, are beauti- 
ful specimens of machinery, and will greatly enhance the products of this 
department with but slight additional labor. 

To supply material for this establishment, about 80,000 pounds of wool 
are purchased annually, from 15 to 20,000 lbs. of which are procured 
from this county, and the remainder elsewhere in Canada, or by importa- 
tion from abroad. During the wool season of 1865, as high as 46 cents 
and during the present year 36 cents per pound were paid for this staple. 

The principal articles of manufacture are tweeds of a great variety of 
pattern, about 80,000 yards of which were prepared for market last year, 
and during the coming season, owing to improved looms and increased 
machinery, this is expected to be increased to one-third more. Some idea 
of the advantages of such a factory to the town and vicinity, will appear 
from the fact that nearly $1000 are expended monthly, in wages and ex- 
penses connected with this establishment, without reference to the large 
additional sum invested in the purchase of wool. 

The Auburn mills bore off the gold medal of the Dublin Exhibition in 
1864, for the best Canadian tweeds, and was also awarded a silver medal 
at the Montreal Exhibition the same year, for similar cloths. Mr. Kobert 
Brodie is the attentive and obliging superintendent. 

The creek which traverses the town supplies the motive power for Mr. 
Brook's woolen factory, in which 20 operatives are employed, with an au- 
nual consumption of about 30,000 lbs. of wool, and a product of 800 yards 
of fulled cloth, flannel and tweed. Six looms are in operation, and steam 
is also used in some of the processes. This establishment wa3 built about 
25 years ago, and has now been five years in the possession of its present 
proprietor. Mr. Brooks has just purchased a small woolen mill heretofore 

14* 



100 

carried on by Mr. 1*. H. Clarke, iu Ashburnham. Probably 20,000 lbs. of 
wool have been converted iuto flannels and cloths here. Three looms are 
in operation. 

These comprise the whole of the woolen factories in Peterborough and 
its vicinity. At other points in the county, and especially at the village 
of Hastings, more of these useful establishments exist, but (except at that 
village) of limited capacity, and chiefly or entirely devoted to the local 
carding and fulling of the neighborhood. 

Founder Ins. — A large amount of capital is invested in founderies, three of 
which are in operation in Peterborough, and one in Ashburnham. Pre- 
cisely this number was returned here as existing at the taking of the cen- 
sus in 1852 and in 1861. But the capital invested, and the produce of 
the business, have very largely increased since the former of these dates. 
In 1851 the capital of all collectively was stated at $7400, and in 1861 at 
$45,900, while the value of their joint produce for the former year was 
set down at $13,400, and for the latter $56,075. Doubtless, the latter 
figures will still apply very nearly to the present time. 

Messrs. Whytc& Hamilton's foundery and machine shop was commenced 
as a plow factory 25 years ago, by James Harvey, Esq. About ten years 
ago it was enlarged to its present proportions, and greatly improved. The 
working capital of the firm is stated to be $10,000, exclusive of buildings 
or site. From twenty to thirty men are employed, the chief business con- 
sisting in the manufacture and repair of steam engines, grist and saw mill 
machinery, thrashing machines, plows, (about 300 of which are turned 
out annually) and other agricultural implements. 

The foundery on Simcoc street, owned by James Stevenson, Esq., and 
leased by Mr. William Helm, was destroyed by fire in 1857, but soon 
after rebuilt in its present style, by the energetic owner. In buildings and 
machinery it represents a total capital of $13,000. Steam is the motive 
power, in producing which 250 cords of wood are consumed annually, as 
are 40 tons of coal in the process of smelting and the requirements of the 
blacksmith's shop. Fifteen men are now employed ; the principal business 
being repairing machines and implements of various kinds, though steam 
engines and nearly all other kinds of machinery, iron pillars and other 
heavy castiugg, are made to order. In this way 25,000 feet of hardwood 
lumber, from 60 to 80 tons of metal, and 8 to 10 tons of wrought iron are 
used in a single year. During last year, six threshing machines, and over 



101 

200 plows were manufactured at this establishment, besides sawing ma- 
chines, other machinery and implements. 

Mr. James Hamilton has for many years conducted a foundery and im- 
plement manufactory on south George street. Eight men on an average 
have been employed, turning out from 150 to 200 plows, a large number 
of harrows, and other farm implements each year. The motive power is a 
six horse-power engine. During the past summer, Mr. Hamilton suffered 
a heavy loss by the destruction of his establishment by fire. But it has 
now been rebuilt in a greatly enlarged and superior style, and the manu- 
facture of implements is being resumed to a still greater extent than for- 
merly. A branch of this business, supplied from the foundery here, is carried 
on at Lindsay. 

Mr. Mowry's foundery and machine shop in Ashburuham also employs 
a number of hands, and has the requisite facilities for performing a large 
business. 

Breweries.— Two breweries at present exist in Peterborough. Mr. 
Henry Calcutt's was commenced in 1855, near the shore of the Little 
Lake, but was burned down in 1 863. His present establishment, near 
the Otonabee river, on the Ashburnham side, was built during the same 
year. Six men are constantly employed, and during last year, 5000 
bushels of barley were consumed in this manufacture. Mr. Calcutt is the 
inventor of a combined liquor cooler and heater, which, by passing the 
heated liquid over an expanded surface, cools 16 barrels in an hour, or 
eight gallons in a minute. By varying the size, greater or less results 
could of course be obtained. 

Mr. Walter W. Boswell's brewery was built more than twenty years 
ago, on the shore of "Spaulding's bay", in the southern end of the town. 
Of late it has not been constantly in operation, but is now again in use, 
and manufacturing at the rate of about one hundred barrels of beer (of 
30 gallons each) per month. 

Two other breweries formerly existed in the town ; but though the 
buildings remain, they have been for some years closed, and their machinery 
unemployed. 

Tanneries. — There are two tanneries in Peterborough, and one in Ash- 
burnham. That belonging to James Hall, Esq., of which Mr. Walter 
Patterson is lessee, employs constantly from 6 to 10 men, who manufacture 
into leather from 1500 to 2000 hides, and about 1200 calf-skins annually. 



102 

Water and steam power are used for pumping aud grinding; Mr. Patter- 
son has recently imported 100 hides from South America, which, from 
the fineness of the hair, and consequent denseness of tissue, when dressed, 
are well adapted for use in, this climate. This establishment is the most 
extensive of the three. 

Mr. P. Ryan in Peterborough, and Mr. John Clarke in Ashburnham, 
also employ a number of hands, and do a large business in the manufacture 
of the various kinds of leather. 

Carriage and Sleigh Factories. — Mr. William Metheral has now been 
11 years engaged in this business in Peterborough. He employs on- an 
average 6 men. During the present season (1866) he completed and sold 
24 buggies and carriages, and four waggons, though he usually manufac- 
tures from 10 to 12 of the latter in a season ; and also 30 to 40 sleighs 
and cutters. The outlay in conducting this establishment will amount to 
between three and four thousand dollars a year. 

Mr. T. Fitzgerald has now been four years engaged in this business. 

He employs 11 men, and during the season of 1866 manufactured 20 

waggons, 25 buggies and carriages, and 50 cutters and sleighs. In addition 

to this work, a large amount of repairing and general black-smithing is also 

carried on in his establishment. 
i 
Mr. John Doharty (formerly Doharty & Hanlon) conducts an extensive 

business of this kind, in which he has now been for several years success- 
cessfully engaged. From 10 to 12 men are employed, resulting in a 
3 T early expenditure of from 6000 to 7000 dollars. During 1865, 55 sleighs 
and cutters were manufactured, and an average of 30 waggons and 20 
buggies and carriages for the last few years. A very large amount of job- 
bing and general black-smith work is also performed. 

Mr. James McWilliams also manufactures largely in this useful branch 
of industry. 9 men are usually employed, and during the present season, 
30 waggons and 20 buggies and carriages have been turned out from this 
establishment^ with an average of 45 sleighs for some years past. A large 
amount of repairing and general work is also attended to, with an annual 
outlay in all of between 6 and 7000 dollars. 

Mr. .John Douglass, (formerly J; & 5 T. Douglass) after a connection 
with this business of about 12 years, has recently opened a new carriage 
and waggon shop on Bethune street north, where 4 hands are employed. 



103 

Flax Mills. — Our enterprising townsman, Mr. Henry Calcutt, erected 
a flax mill in Ashburnham, in 1865, which is not only useful as furnishing 
a home market for an important item of agricultural produce, but at cer- 
tain times (during the retting process) gives employment to about 50 
women and boys, who have often difficulty in finding remunerative employ- 
ment in other branches of industry. During 1865, 75 tons of raw flax 
was purchased here, and for the present season the sales were increased to 
200 tons. The cost, as sold by the fanners, has been about $13 per ton, 
and about an equal sum per ton is expended in its preparation. The flax, 
when ready for market, is in chief part sold at the linen mill of Messrs. 
Gooderham & Worts, Toronto. It is to be regretted that sufficient enter- 
prise has not yet been found to establish a linen mill here, for which there are 
great facilities, and which would add another important branch of industry 
to the locality, and retain this product in our midst, which has now to go 
elsewhere for the manufacture to which it is ultimately destined. 

Mr. Borland, of South Douro, is also engaged in this business, and as a 
further illustration of the increasing interest taken in this useful product, 
it may be stated that 50 tons were offered for sale in that locality during 
the present season, (1866) where only five or six could be purchased in 
1865. 

Other Manufactures. — Peterborough has two pump manufactories, one 
of these, conducted by Mr. Henry Dennis, has been in operation for the 
last 6 years. Five men are employed on an average, and about 500 pumps 
manufactured every year. The motive power is steam. Mr. W. M. 
Kingdon is also engaged in this manufacture, and produces from 150 to 
200 pumps every year from his establishment. 

There are four enterprising citizens engaged in the manufacture and 
importation of chairs, cabinet work and general upholstery; besides a 
number of establishments who supply these and the public with wood- 
turning, sashes, blinds, and other articles of luxury and necessity. 

Ashburnham boasts of two axe-factories, that of Mr. P. J. Ayres and 
Mr. G. Story, which contribute largely to supply the demand for these 
indispensible implements. 

There are also several Cooper's shops, both in town and county, which 
represent a most important branch of industry, and in which a large amount 
of capital is invested. 



104 

As the purpose and scope of these pages are historical rather than intend- 
ed to serve the purposes of a directory, it is impossible, even were it 
not out of place, to enter more minutely into the particulars of these and 
other interesting and important sources of trade or branches of industry. 
Enough has been said, it is hoped, to convey to the reader an idea of the 
present development of out manufacturing enterprize; and although it 
must be confessed that of late years, progress in this direction has not 
been as rapid as might be desired, or as the ample facilities afforded by 
the town and vicinity would seem to invite, still the position at present 
attained, is sufficient, strongly to contrast with the early stages and infant 
steps of these branches of manufacture, when Peterborough was first 
settled, 40 years ago. Progression, either natural, social or industrial, is 
not uniformly rapid ; and having accomplished much in the past, it will, 
with the means and resources at command, be attributable to our own 
folly or neglect, if much greater results be not achieved in the future. 

(3.) TRADE AND MERCHANDISE. 

The trade of a community like this, carried on by a number of individ- 
uals, through a variety of channels, can with difficulty be estimated, seeing 
that, except in the case of dutiable goods, which pass through the custom 
house, no general or official record is kept as to their extent or value. 
And in the case of Peterborough, but a small proportion of the goods 
received and sold here are chargeable with custom duty. 

The general character of the merchants and traders of Peterborough for 
probity and honor, which is known beyond the limits of the Province, 
and the extent of their operations, as shewn by the large and well filled 
shops of our principal streets, are circumstances of which any resident of 
the town and county may well feel proud. The first attempts at mercan- 
tile business in Peterborough, in the tiny stores and with the slender 
stocks of goods, to which reference has been made in the preceding pages, 
are in striking contrast to the piles of brick and mortar, several stories in 
height, filled with the rich fabrics and costly products of nearly every 
clime, which are witnessed to-day. Instead of the little stocks of goods of 
from $100 to $1000 of 40 years ago, we have now single firms importing 
from $10,000 to $80,000 worth of goods aunually. The entire imports 
for 1860 were carefully estimated at $600,000, and since then these figures 
have not materially changed. 



105 



From a statement furnished by permission of the Customs authorities 
in 1860, it appeared that, during that year, the total entries here were of 
the value of $108,685, on which a duty of $17,782 was paid. These 
figures were $5,374 in excess of the duties paid at Port Hope, and $6,501 
more than those paid at Cobourg, for that year. 

Since the railroad era, which commenced in 1854, the entire trade of 
the town has greatly increased. The exports have invariably exceeded the 
imports to such an extent as to leave a balance of trade amounting, on an 
average, to at least half a million of dollars in favor of the town. The 
following figures will convey some idea of the exports of the town at two 
successive periods : — 

Lumber, Produce, dr., shipped by Cobourg and Peterborough Railroad 
from Peterborough, during the years 1855, 1856 and 1857. 



Years. 



Lumber, 
Feet, 



Flour, 
barrels 



Wheat, 

bushels. 



Wool, 
lbs. 



Potash, 
barrels. 



Lath, 
bundles. 



18,35 
1856 
1857 



11142479 
15946158 
13365503 



6539 

19095 

9714 



23255^ 

56862,\ 
21717" 



38519 
36047 
62772 



43 
57 
56 



4188 
25546 
16548 



Statement showing the export of Produce from Peterborough, by Pail- 
way during 1864 and 1865: 



Years. 


Flour, 
barrels. 


Wheat, 
bushels. 


Barley, 
bushels. 


Pease, 
bushels. 


Oats, 
bushels. 


Butter, 
Firkins. 


1864 
1865 


23300 
37000 


8695 
31775 

40470 


6667 
13967 


140 
250 


none, 
do 


836 
1502 


Total.. 


60300 


20634 


390 


none. 


2338 



To this is to be added the export of sawn lumber, already considered in 
a special chapter devoted to that trade, but which may here be repeated. 
In 1865, sawn lumber was shipped as follows : — 

Over the Port Hope and Peterborough railway 19,000,000 feet. 

By steamer Otonabce and rail to Cobourg 12,000,000 " 

Total 31,000,000 « 

This, however, does not include the entire export of lumber from the 
county, since the manufacture of the mills at Chemong lake, Buckhorn, 

15 



106 

Harvey and to sonic extent those at Bobcaygeon. as well as that from the 
mills in Otonabee and Hastings have found an outlet by other channels. 
Neither does it include a large export of wool, shingles, potash, eggs and 
other commodities, the exact figures for which it would be difficult to 

ascertain. 

There is besides the large internal trade carried on in the town and 
villages of the county in supplying the wants of a fine agricultural district, 
the value of the produce of which, was shewn by the last census to be 
$1,023,197. Peterborough is most advantageously situated for encoura- 
ging and developing this trade, which alone would entitle her to rank among 
the most prosperous commercial centres in Canada. But when to this is 
added the immense operations of the lumber trade, and her great capabili- 
ties for manufacturing purposes, her natural advantages place her in the 
foremost rank, as a field for enterprise, which it must be admitted has as 
yet been but partially utilized. 



CHAPTER XIX. 



(1) THE BANKS OF PETERBOROUGH. 

Until 1852, the only bank in Peterborough was a branch of the Bank or 
Montreal, which was opened here in 1843 ; and of which Robert Nicholls, 
Esq., was the first agent. The business during the first few years was 
very meagre, — the principal ledger being a book of diminutive proportions. 
Since the retirement of Mr. Nicholls from this post, the successive managers 
have been, Jackson Rae, John N. Travers, Robert J. Dallas, and Robert 
Richardson, Esquires, — the last named gentlemen being at present 
manager. 

The business of the bank increased with the progress and prosperity of 
the town and county ; and during 1857-8, the present handsome and com- 
modious building, on the south-east corner of Water and Simcoe streets, 
was erected for its accommodation, at a cost of $12,000. 

In 1846, Messrs. Nicholls & Hall opened u The Colborne District 
Savings Bank" which appears to have been more advantageous to the 
public than to its projectors and managers, and it was finally closed in 
1848. 



107 

In 1852, a branch of the Commercial Bank was opened iu Peterbo- 
rough. For eight years. William Cluxtou, Esq., was its agent, and in its 
management, displayed his usual excellent business capacity ; and on his 
retirement, owing to the pressure of a large and increasing business, had 
the satisfaction of handing over its affairs to his successor without a single 
dollar of a bad debt. The subsequent managers were, J. II. Roper, Jr., 
and W. F. Harper, Esquires ; the latter gentleman having occupied that 
position during the last two years. The present Commercial Bank build- 
ing, (on the north-east corner of Water and Hunter streets) was erected 
during 1863-4. 

The Bank of Toronto opened a branch here in 1856. James Hall, 
Esq., now Sheriff, was agent during the first year and a half, and was suc- 
ceeded by Alexander Munroe, Esq.- During the past six years, its busi- 
ness has been successfully conducted by Alexander Smith, Esq., its present 
popular and obliging manager. 

During the present year, (1866) a branch of the Royal Canadian Bank, 
William Ogilvie, Esquire, Agent, and also a branch of the Ontario Bank, 
with a Savings Bank department, under the management of D. S. Eastwood, 
Esquire, were opened in Peterborough. So that, so far as the number of 
banking institutions are concerned, our business men have no lack of ample 
facilities for the transaction of business. 

As to the capital, position, resources or dividends of these institutions, 
it would be out of place here to enter on any exposition ; as ample infor- 
mation on these points is contained in the general bank statements pub- 
lished at frequent intervals. 

(2.) THE CHURCHES OP PETERBOROUGH. 

From the first settlement of the town, clergymen of the Episcopal and 
Roman Catholic churches were present, either as permanent residents or 
frequent visitors, to attend to the spiritual wants of their respective flocks. 
Ere long, the missionaries and then the ministers of other denominations 
occupied the field ; the entire county forming in those days a single parish 
or circuit, which had to be laboriously traversed, and services held iu such 
of the larger buildings, in barns, or in the open air, as circumstances justi- 
fied. For many years the ministrations of the Peterborough clergymen 
continued thus to extend over the adjoining townships, but the improve- 
ment of roads and the erection of churches, and the establishment of other 
missions, in time rendered these duties less arduous. 

15* 



108 

For some years the church accommodation in town was little belter than 
in the country districts, and the services of the various denominations 
were held in houses and vacant buildings as opportunity favoured. 

Notwithstanding numerous enquiries, the facts we have been able to 
gather in reference to the progress of the several churches, are but few, 
and for convenience will be mentioned separately. We begin with 

The Church of England. — The Rev. Samuel Armour was the first 
clergyman of this church in Peterborough ; and the log school house, more 
than once referred to, sufficed for many years in which to conduct its 
services. As early as 1831, tenders were advertised in the Cobourg Star 
for the erection of the present edifice, known as St. John's Church ; but 
not until 1834-5 was that building completed and ready for occupation. 
The contract was awarded to the late Joseph Scobell, Esq., who undertook 
its completion for £1300, but alterations, or extra work, increased this 
to £1500, and sundry expenses, including interest on money borrowed for 
its completion, made the total cost £2150. 

This was one of the 57 rectories created under the administration of 
Sir John Colborne. It comprised four acres of ground, consisting of lots 
nos. 1 to 4 north of Hunter and east of Water streets, and lots nos. 1 to 
4 south of Brock and east of Water streets, and was formally granted for 
this purpose on the 5th day of November, 1835.* The eastern portion 

of this ground, fronting on street, and the western side along 

Water street, have both been used for building purposes, under lease for a 
term of years, to be either renewed on expiry, or the holder compensated for 
improvements made during his term of occupation. Under this arrange- 
ment the revenues of the Rectory have been materially increased, without 
marring the prospect, or overcrowding the edifice, as seen from the adjoin- 
ing thoroughfares. Other grants were about the same time made to this 
church, the principal of which consisted of two glebe lots in the township 
of Smith, and Park lots nos. 16 and 17, of 10 acres each, adjoining the 
town, besides an acre of land on the western side of the square, known as 
the old burying ground, which has been leased or sold in building lots. 

At the time of the erection of this building, a large clock was placed 
in the tower, at a cost of about $400, but this, for some years, has been 
neglected, chiefly owing to the trouble and expense attending its regulation 
and supervision. 

* Appendix Journals of the House. Session 1837-3. Page 4U0. 



109 

About 13 years ago, sundry improvements were effected iu the ehurcli 
edifice, at a cost of about $2000. A new roof was put ou, and important 
alterations made in the interior, in accordance with plans furnished by 
Kivas Tully, Esq. An organ was also procured, at a cost of about $1000. 
In 1859 a capacious Sunday school house was added in the rear, at a cost 
of $472. 

This church occupies a fine commanding site, overlooking the town, the 
river, and the adjacent village of Ashburnham ; and although for many 
years embarrassed by debt, is now in a most excellent condition financially, 
on which the Hector and congregation may well be congratulated. 

The following are the names of the clergymen who have been successively 
Incumbents or Rectors of Peterborough: — Rev. Samuel Armour, Rev. 
Richard D'Olier, Rev. Charles Wade, M. A., Rev. Robert J. C. Taylor, 
Rev. Mark Burnham, and the Rev. John AValton Romain Beck, who is 
the present Rector. 

The Roman Catholic Chit rcJt. —The first services of this church in 
Peterborough were celebrated by the Rev. James Crowley, in one of the 
log buildings, erected for the purposes of the immigration. On the first 
settlement of the town, the block of ground on which the American Hotel 
now stands, bounded by George, Chambers, Brock and Hunter streets, was 
granted to this body for church purposes ; and in later years a small frame 
church was erected on it. About the year 1835-6, this was burned down ; 
and soon after, the ground in question was disposed of, and the erection of 
the present church commenced. The public grants to this church consist- 
ed of the ground just mentioned, described as lots 1 and 2 south of Brock 
and west of George streets, lot No. 14, new survey, fronting on Hunter 
street, (the site of the present church) and Park lot No. 6 in the township 
of North Monaghan. These grants were dated February 18th, 1834,* 

The present stone edifice" was erected in 1837-8, and when completed, 
was dedicated to St. Peter in-chains. This was done during the pastorate 
of the Rev. John Butler, who after nineteen years residence in Peterbo- 
rough, died on the 25th of June, 1853, in his 71st year. A neat tablet 
to his memory is erected in this church, which he founded, and which is 
stated to be, "a last monument to his piety and zeal." Another tablet, 
similarly placed, tells of the decease of the Rev. Daniel Farrelly, on the 1st 
day of June, 1858, in the 44th year of his age, after a pastorate in Peter- 
borough ofl year and 10 months, and in Kemptville of 13 years. 

♦Appendix to Journals of the House, Session 1837-8. Page 400. 



110 

This church, though not finely finished, and but plainly decorated, has 
been lbr some years free from financial embarrassment. Nine years ago, 
a fine toned and powerful organ was purchased at a cost of $1600, and has 
been since in use. 

The following is a list of the Priests who have successively ministered 
to the spiritual wants of this congregation : — Rev. James Crowley, Rev. 
Father O'Herne, Rev. John Butler, Rev John Farrall, (now Bishop of 
Hamilton, C.W.) Rev. Daniel Farrelly, Rev. M. Mackie, and the Rev. 
Oliver Kelly, the present pastor, and Dean of the Diocese. 

The Church of Scotland. — On the 30th of May, 1835, a grant was 
made to this church, of lot F, fronting on Brock street, and lots 12 and 
13 north of Brock street. The first of these is the site of the present St. 
Andrew's church, erected in the year 1836. The other lots are leased 
for building purposes, in the usual manner with property so held. 

The Rev. J. M. Roger, was the first minister of this body; and was 
located here as early as 1833. He remained attached to this congregation 
until the separation which took place, owing to the Free Church move- 
ment, to which he adhered. The church property remained with 
the older body, and soon after, the Rev. James S. Douglas became its 
minister, and so continued until 1864. During the two years which 
followed, the congregation was supplied by missionaries ; and on the 20th 
day of November, 1866, the Rev. D. J. Macdonnell, B. D., was formally 
inducted to this charge. 

A neat Sabbath School building was erected adjacent to the church, 
in 1864; and, financially, the affairs of this church are in an excellent 
condition. 

The Free Church. — On the withdrawal of the Free Church from the 
Church of Scotland, which took place in Canada in 1844, but in Peter- 
borough not until 1857, the congregation was for some years without 
a suitable place of worship. The town hall, and subsequently the 
Wesleyan Methodist Sabbath School room, were used for this purpose. 
But at length, in 1857, the foundation of their fine brick church, adjacent 
to the Court House square, was laid, and completed in 1859. This edifice 
is 50 by 90 feet iu size, and was erected at a cost of $20,000 ; of which 
a debt of $7,200 still remains. It is at once creditable to the congrega- 
tion, and an ornament to the town. The Rev. J. M. Rogers is still its 
minister. 



Ill 

The Weshj/on Methodist Church. — The first Wesleyan Methodist 
Church in Peterborough was a small frame building, subsequently con- 
verted into a parsonage, and now used in that capacity. It was erected 
in 1834, on ground granted by the Executive Council for that purpose, 
and described as lots 1 and 2 north of McDonell and west of George 
street. The grant bears date, November 27th, 1834.* 

The first large church of this body was erected in 1844, of a size 60 
feet by 40 feet, and this, in 1854 was enlarged by an addition of 30 feet 
to the length, which completed the present structure. In 1864 a fine new 
organ was added. It is noticeable that the successive steps of marked 
progress by this body have been made at regular intervals of ten years, as 
shewn by the foregoing dates. Possibly the close of the present decennial 
period will be marked by the erection of an entirely new church edifice. 
We had hoped to have added the names of the several ministers stationed 
here, in connection with this church ; but the frequent changes resulting 
from the itinerant system have rendered these very numerous, and it is 
difficult ox impossible from the data at hand, to re-produce them with 
accuracy. 

The Baptist Church. — The Baptist Church in Peterborough was erect- 
ed on Aylmer street, in the year 1845, at a cost of about $1400. Owing 
to a divergence of opinion which took place in the congregation a few years 
ago, a second but smaller church was erected in the North Ward. But 
unity was happily restored, and this second structure has become useful to 
the town for the purposes of a primary school. The Rev. John Gilmour 
has been continuously pastor of this congregation, and is also Agent for 
the New England Company, in providing for the spiritual wants of the 
Rice Lake and Chemong Lake Indians, to which reference will hereafter 
be made. 

The Bible Christian Church. — This body acquired the ground it now 
occupies by purchase. As early as 1832-3, a society was formed in Peter- 
borough, to which the Rev. Mr. Enon was one of the first missionaries. 
The first small church, in subsequent years, was converted into a minister's 
residence, and was superseded by the present church building, erected in 
1853. The ministers of this body have been numerous ; the Rev. David 
Cantlon at present occupying that position. 

The British Methodists had at one time a numerous society here, and 
erected a church, on the rising ground a little west of the Otonabee bridge. 

* Appendix to Journals, 1837-8. Page 400, 



112 

On their union with the Wesleyan Methodists, their church building was 
no longer a necessity, and was subsequently used for school purposes, and 
is now the property of Robert Morrow, Esq. 

The foregoing comprise all the churches at present existing in Peterbo- 
rough. It would perhaps be interesting to trace the gradual progress in 
numbers of each from their first organization here. But in the earlier 
years of their history in Peterborough, the entire county was embraced 
in their yearly returns, and even now, a large portion of the members and 
support of each is drawn from the adjacent townships. We must there- 
fore content ourselves and the reader, with such facts as appear from the 
census of the last two periods, and in doing so will append the religious 
census of Ashburnham for the last of these, as the only one for which its 
statistics have been officially taken as a distinct municipality. 



Peterborough. 

do 
Ashburnham. . 



Year. 






O 



o ^ 

r 



83 

^^ 
0) O 

©^ 





© S 


c ~ 


i—l Cv 


© 2 


£33 



1852 


540 


565 


490 


4 


1861 


757 


1226 


830 


14 


1861 


281 


323 


113 


24 



22 

95 

5 



Peterborough. 

do 
Ashburnham. 











CD 


Year. 




^5 o 


SB 

m 
'■+3 

C3 


O ^ 

^ 2 

w © 




Q 


w 1 


PQ 










S 



h © 

r£ © 

o 



1852 


414 


44 


79 




1861 


546 


218 


117 


12 


1861 


97 


132 


1 


16 



33 

26 

1 



(3.) THE SCHOOLS OP PETERBOROUGH. • 

The Union School. — The first school house, erected in Peterborough, 
in the years 1826-7, has already been more than once referred to. It was 
a log building, with shingled roof, of very plain and unimposing aspect, 
and stood on the ground now occupied by the shed, in the play-ground in 
the rear of the present Union School building. It has also been stated 
that the Rev. Samuel Armour, first Episcopal clergyman in Peterborough, 
conducted this school, in which the higher as well as the rudimentary 



113 

branches of education were for a time taught. As the town progressed, 
other schools, specially devoted to the branches usually taught in common 
schools, were organized, and then this building was appropriated solely to 
the purposes of a grammar school ; and almost from its commencement, a 
grant of money from the public funds was made annually to assist in its 
support. 

The writer has been able to ascertain very little in reference to the 
character of the common schools, or even the names of their teachers, 
down to the year 1852, at the commencement of which, these were all 
united under a common school board of trustees, and the vacant church, 
built and formerly occupied by the British Methodist society, was leased 
and used for general common school purposes. 

Towards the close of the year 1853, the old grammar school building 
was found to have become so dilapidated, through time and usage, that it 
was untenable for winter use ; and the board of grammar school trustees 
applied for amalgamation with the already united common schools; a pro- 
posal which was finally accepted, and entered upon, in February, 1854. 
John Langton, Esq., was then appointed Chairman, Dr. Hay, Secretary, 
and William Cluxton Esq. Treasurer of the Joint Board. 

From this period until 1860, the united Grammar and Common School 
was carried on in the vacant church already mentioned. Early in 1857, 
in consequence of that building being found insufficient to accommodate 
the greatly increased numbers then attending school, — in the instruction of 
which, a Head Master, two other male and three female teachers, were 
constantly employed, arrangements were commenced for the erection of 
the noble building which is now not only an ornament to the town, but is 
amply sufficient and well adapted to the purposes for which it was 
intended. 

Some discussion and deliberation arose as to the proper site for such an 
edifice ; and three locations were severally proposed. 1st, a portion of the 
old burying ground, fronting upon George street ; 2nd, the vacant ground 
fronting on Water street, and known as the Court House Park, and 3rd, 
the present site. 

Preference was given by the majority of the Board to the second of 
these ; and, strange to say, the consent of the Town and County Councils 
was readily procured for appropriating three acres of the beautiful Court 
House green to that purpose; — a design which if carried out would have 

16 



114 

deprived the citizens of that fine enclosure, left our county buildings in 
the back ground, and destroyed much of the effect of their position on 
that commanding eminence. Fortunately neither of these bodies had the 
disposal of this ground ; and it was, ere long, ascertained that a special 
Act of Parliament would be necessary to divert the property in question 
from the purposes for which it was originally designed. Petitions were, 
however, drawn up for signature, and a deputation sent to Toronto, then 
the Seat of Government, to secure the accomplishment of the object 
sought. An influential minority of the Board, however, opposed what 
would now be regarded as an act of spoliation ; and the consent of the Gov- 
ernment was consequently withheld. 

The beauties and advantages of the present site appear to have then 
become fully appreciated ; and measures were at once taken to proceed with 
the erection of the building. Mr. Sheard, Architect, of Toronto, furnished 
the plans, &c. ; Messrs. Mitchell, Graham and McDonald were awarded the 
contracts, and the work was vigorously pushed forward, during the Autumn 
of 1857, and the two following years. 

The new Union School building was completed, and possession assumed 
by the Board, at the opening of the school in January, 1860. The fol- 
lowing are the names of the gentlemen composing the Building Committee, 
who were then relieved from their arduous and responsible duties : — James 
Hall, Esq., Chairman, W. S. Conger, William Cluxton, Thomas Fortye, 
James Stevenson, Frederick Ferguson, Esquires, and the Kev. Mark 
Burnham. 

In order to provide funds for building purposes, two town lots, originally 
set apart for school purposes, were offered for sale. These were, lot no. 
ten, north of King street, and lot no. five, south of London and west of 
George streets. The former was bought by Mr. John Delaney for £201, 
and the latter, although nominally sold, never passed from under the con- 
trol of the Board. The building fund was also largely assisted by the 
donation, on the part of the Town Council, of the entire Clergy Reserve 
money appropriated to the town for 1856, amounting to £981 8s. 3d., 
which was placed in the Commercial Bank Agency to the credit of the 
Board. 

The original estimate as to the cost of th« new school building was 
$16,000, and the actual outlay for its completion and furnishing, amount- 
ed to $16,258. So trifling an excess over the estimated sum, was a matter 



115 

for congratulation alike by the Board and the public. To enable the town 
to meet this large sum, debentures to the amount of $14,000, were issued, 
bearing interest at six per cent, per annum. These debentures were pay- 
able in the following order : — 

In 1859 ..$ 400 

1860 , 600 

1861 800 

1862 1000 

1863 : 1200 

1864 1600 

1865 1800 

1866 2000 

1867 2200 

1868 2400 



$14000 
The Roman Catholic Separate School had now been for several years in 
existence ; the supporters of which were exempt from taxation for Union 
School purposes. The other ratepayers of the town were taxed for the interest 
and sinking fund of the debentures during the years 1859 and 1860. On 
the passing of the Act for the consolidation of the debt of the town, 
assented to in May, 1861, these debentures were made chargeable against 
the property of the whole town, including the supporters of the Separate 
School ; but provision was made that the proportion of interest and sinking 
fund levied upon the said supporters, should be refunded to them on or 
before the 31st day of December in each year.* 

The first two debentures were paid out of the revenues of the town, as 
they matured, but those for the subsequent years, up to the present time, 
have been paid out of funds realized from the sale of new debentures. 
These sold on an average at fifteen per cent, discount, or in other words, a 
$400 debenture would realize only $340 in cash. 

The position of the debenture account would consequently stand as 
follows : — 

Total debentures issued. $14,000 

First two paid in cash in 1859 and 1860, (less) 1,000 

Total outstanding debentures in 1861 $13,000 

* Statutes of Canada, Chapter 61. Section 6. 

16* 



116 

Debentures since Paid. 

School Amt. of new debentures Addition 

Debenture. required to pay it. to debt. 

1861 $ 800 $ 941 17 $141 17 

1862 1000 1176 47 176 47 

1863 1200 1411 77 211 77 

1864 1600 1822 35 282 35 

1865 1800 2117 64 317 64 

1866 2000 2353 00 353 00 



$8400 $9822 40 $1482 40 

From the foregoing, two facts are to be deduced of interest to the rate- 
payers of the town of Peterborough, — 1st, That the debt contracted on 
account of Union School debentures is constantly and rapidly increasing ; 
since to pay the $8400 of debentures falling due since 1861, a new debt of 
$9822.40 has been contracted, entailing an addition of $1482.40 to the 
original debt of $13,000 of school debentures outstanding in 1861; making 
the total amount of the debentures, at the close of 1866, $14,482.40. 
The second fact of importance, is that, as an increasing debt entails the 
payment of a proportionately larger sum for interest, the proportion of the 
latter actually paid annually by the supporters of the E. C Separate 
School is also increasing, and hence the demand which has recently been 
pressed for a larger instalment as an equivalent in return. It may be 
added, that it is the payment of these latter debentures, by the issue of 
new ones, instead of in cash, or by the proceeds of a sinking fund, as the 
Act no doubt intended, which has given rise to the result now shewn. 

The apparent abstruseness of this subject, and its practical bearing upon 
the present affairs of the town, must suffice as an excuse for referring to it 
here at such length. 

In regard to the attendance of pupils at the Peterborough Union Gram- 
mar and Common School, the following statistics of two successive periods 
are here presented : — 

Grammar School, — In 1856, the total number of pupils in the Grammar 
School department was 87 : of these there were studying Arithmetic 80, 
Algebra 8, Euclid 8, Trigonometry 2, Mensuration 2, Geography 87, 
History 80, Ancient Geography 40, Modern do. 87, History of Rome 87 
History of Great Britain 87, Physical Science 87, Natural Philosophy 32, 



117 

Natural History 87, Writing 87, Book-keeping 7, Drawing 31, and Vocal 

Music 36. 

For 186-4, — (the last report yet received) we find, the number of pupils 
in English branches 41, Latin 41, Greek 6, French 15, Algebra 35, Euclid 
35, Geography 41, History 41, Physical Science 13, Natural Philosophy 
13, Writing 41, Drawing 15, Elements of Political Economy 19. 

Common School, — The total number of pupils returned, as attending 
the Common School department in 1856, was 498. Of these 281 were 
boys and 217 girls ; 31 are indigent pupils. The total number in Arith- 
metic was 323, Grammar 298, Geography 352, History 177, Writing 376, 
Book-keeping 4, Mensuration 6, Algebra 2, Geometry 3, Natural Philoso- 
phy 12, Vocal Music 103, other studies 130. 

For 1864, we find, the total attendance of Common School children to 
be 1052 ; of these 551 are boys and 501 girls, indigent pupils 104. 
Average attendance of pupils 459. The following are the numbers en- 
gaged in the several branches of study : — Arithmetic 893, Grammar 702, 
General Geography 707, Canadian Geography 248, History 459, Writing 
877, Book-keeping 28, Mensuration 2, Algebra 46, Geometry 43, Natural 
Philosophy 95, Linear Drawing 21, Needlework 30. 

To furnish the names of all the teachers employed in this school, even 
since the union, would require an amount of labor, disproportionate to the 
interest likely to be taken in the result ; but we append a list of the 
several Principals, since the first organization of the Peterborough Grammar 
School. 

Principals prior to the Union of 1854. — Rev. Samuel Armour, In- 
cumbent ; Rev. Moses Williamson, Presbyterian minister ; Rev. R. J. C. 
Taylor, Rector; Bolton W. O'Grady, Esq., A. B., T. C. D. 

Principals since 1854. — John Gordon, J. W. Kerr, Stewart Foster, 
Esquires, Rev. John McClure, James M. Dunn, Esq., and John King, 
Esq., B. A., T. CD. 

The following gentlemen have been severally Local Superintendents of 
Schools in Peterborough: — Rev. E. Roberts, James Edwards, Esq., 
Rev. J. S. Douglas, D. W. Dumble, Ivan O'Beirne and James Stratton, 
Esquires ; the last named gentleman now occupying that position. 



118 

Roman Catholic SepcM'ate School. — This school was first organized in 
Peterborough in the year 1851. For three years, rooms were rented in a 
building on the corner of Aylmer and Simcoe streets for its accommoda- 
tion. In 1854, a frame school house, in two departments, was erected on 
the lot directly in front of the Catholic church. In the autumn of the 
year 1864, this building was destroyed by fire, together with a valuable 
library, the property of the St. Patrick's society of Pefcerboro'. During 
1865, the present fine brick building of two and a half stories was 
completed, and to a considerable extent, paid for, by the voluntary contri- 
butions of the congregation of St. Peter's church. Early in January 1866, 
the school was transferred to this building, from the old Union School 
premises, which had been in the meantime leased and occupied for Separate 
School purposes. 

From two to four teachers have been employed in this school. The 
number of pupils on the register for 1865 was 265. Religious instruction 
is combined with secular, — the male and female pupils being classified in 
separate departments. 

The following is a list of the teachers who have been employed in this 
school : — Males — Messrs. Bernard Boyd, Daniel Sullivan, John Curtin, 
John Keating, Francis O'Hara, David Roche, Michael Healy, William 
Keating and Patrick Smyth. Females — Miss Mary C. Meany, Miss 
Bridget Hogan and Miss Mary Ann O'Callaghan. 



CHAPTER XX. 



SUMMARY OP 

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS. 



Date. 


Candidates. 


Elected. 


Majority. 


Novem. 1833. 
1856. 

Septem. 1861. 
" 1864. 


Thomas Alex. Stewart.. 

( Thomas Short , . . . j 
{ Edmund Murney.. j 

( Hon. Billa Flint... ) 

{ " Sidney Smith j 

" Billa Flint 


Appointed by Crown 
Edmund Murney... 

Hon. Sidney Smith. 
" Billa Flint.... 


238 

180 
Acclamation 



119 

SUMMARY OF 

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS. 



Date. 



Candidates. 



1834. 

1836. 

1841. 

1844. 

Decern. .1847. 

" 1851, 
July, ...1854. 
January 1856 

Decern. .1857, 

July,,.. 1861 
June,... 1863 
Septem. 1864, 



f Col.Alex. McDonell*] 
I Dr. John Gilchrist, ! 
} James G. Bethune, j 
[W.S. Conger, J 

( Henry Kuttan, ^) 



J Col.Alex. McDonell { 



} Geo. M. Boswell 



(^ Dr. John Gilchrist, J 

( Frederick Ferguson ") 
) Col.Alex. McDonell [ 
(^ Dr. John Gilchrist. ) 

j George B. Hall, } 
{ Col. Baldwin, j 

f James Hall, 

} Richard Birdsall 

^ John Langton. 

j James Hall, | 

| John Langton. j 

John Langton 

f W. S. Conger, 

| Frederick Ferguson 

j Thomas Short, ] 
{ W. S. Conger, J 

j W. S. Conger, | 

{ Col. F.W. Haultain j 

W. S. Conger.... 

f Col. Haultain, 
\ Charles Perry. 



} 



Elected. 



Majority. 



Col. Alex. McDonell 



Col.Alex. McDonell 



Dr. John Gilchirst. 



George B. Hall 

James Hall 

John Langton.. 

do 
W. S. Conger.. 

Thomas Short.. 

Col. Haultain.. 
W. S. Conger.. 
Col. Haultain.. 



81 

70 
Acclamation 

298 

315 

30 

Acclamation 

106 



120 



WARDENS FOR THE COUNTY OF PETERBOROUGH. 






1842 

to end of 
1846 

1847, 

1848, 

1849, 

1850, 

1851, 

1852 
to end of 
1858, 



) 



George Arundel Hill, 

John Langton. 

do 

do 

do 
Thomas Short. 

William Cottingham. 



1859, W. S. Conger. 

1860, William Lang. 

1861, M. S. Dean. 

1862, do 

1863, Peter Pcarce. 

1864, do 

1865, Robert D. Rogers. 

1866, Evans Ingram. 



MAYORS, REEVES, &C, OF PETERBOROUGH. 




Town Clerks. — The following gentlemen have been successively Town 
Clerks:— W. H. Vizard, W. H. Wrighton, Thomas White, Jr., Ivan 
O'Beirne, and James Edwards, Esquires, — the last named gentleman 
having occupied that position for the last ten years. 

Town Treasurers. — Robert Nieholls, William Hall, William Cluxton, 
and James Edwards, Esquires,— the last two gentlemen having discharged 
the important duties of that position'for five and nine years respectively. 



121 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE FOR PETERBOROUGH. 



. B. Y. McKyes,* 


John Kennedy, 


Patrick Ryan, 


John Darcus, 


J. T. Henthorn, 


Charles Perry, 


Josias Bray,* 


Thomas White, Sr. 


James Edwards, 


Dr. F. Connin,* 


John Haggart, 


W. A. Scott, 


Dr. John Hutchesor 


i,* Michael Hogan, 


Francis H. Armstrong, 


Robert P. Madge,* 


£$ Fred'k Ferguson, 


Robert Nicholls, 


John Langton, 


Thomas Harper,* 


William Cluxton, 


A. S. Fraser,* 


Geo. G. Boswell,* 


William Eastland, 


G. B. Hall,* 


£$ Charles Rubidge, 


Daniel Hopkins, 


D. McFarlane,* 


<g) James Harvey, 


Jas. Stevenson, 


Daniel Griffith, 


James Hall, 


William Coulter, 


/TG. F. Orde, * 


Robert Ridley,* 


w£) Robert M. Boucher. 


Robert Dennistoun, 

i 7 


Thomas Chambers, 





* Those thus marked are deceased. 

Coroners. — Dr. John McNabb, A. McPhail, Thomas Bird, James 
Foley, William C. Nicholls, George Reid, Dr. M. Lavell, Dr. Amos 
McCrea, Dr. Thomas W. Poole, Dr. John McKeown, Dr. A. Harvey, 
and J. R. Benson Esq. 

Assessors. — The following gentlemen have been Assessors of the town, 
in some cases for sundry years : — Messrs. James Edwards, T. F. Albro, 
John Kennedy, D. Taylor, Robert Rowe, T. Henthorn, William Eastland, 
Thomas White, Jr., W. A. Scott, Thomas Hutcheson, and T. Hazlitt. 

Collectors. — All of the gentlemen named as follows have been for more 
than one year collectors of rates for the town : — Messrs. Daniel Hopkins, 
William Cumming, J. A. Hartley and David Carlyle, 

Auditors, — The accounts of the town have been audited at one time or 
another by each of the following gentlemen : — Messrs. William Cluxton, 
William Curry, William Eastland, Robert Reid, James Ferguson, William 
Coulter, James Edwards, George Coupar, Charles Cameron, R. F. Kirk- 
patrick and E. Pearse. 

County Auditors. — Robert Reid, James Hall, James Foley, George 
Hughes, James Anderson, J. J. Hall and Dr. Thomas W. Poole. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE, ASHBURNHAM. 

Robert D. Rogers, II. Bennett, Robinson Moore, 

17 



122 

REEVES OF ASHBURNHAM. 

1859, Robert D. Rogers, 1863, Robert D. Rogers, 

1860, Francis Armstrong, 1864, Robert D. Rogers, 

1861, Robert D. Rogers, 1865, Robert D. Rogers, 

1862, Francis Armstrong, - 1866, A. C. Dunlop. 

Local Superintendents of Schools, Ashhimiham. — The Rev. J. S. 
Douglas for five years, from 1858 to the close of 1864, and the Rev. J. 
W. R. Beck, for 1865 and 1866, 



THE TOWNSHIPS 



OF THE 



COUNTY OF PETEBBOBOUGH. 



CHAPTER XXI. 



THE TOWNSHIP OP SMITH. 

The survey of the township of Smith was just completed in 1818, when 
a number of colonists who had sailed that year from Cumberland, in Eng- 
land, found their way to that township for the purpose of forming a set- 
tlement. There was as yet no semblance of a road through the almost un- 
broken forest from Port Hope, and they accordingly chose the route by 
way of Rice Lake and the Otonabee river. On arriving at Smith, the 
first thing done was to erect a temporary log house on the first lot west 
of the communication road, which is a small triangular piece of ground, 
just outside of the present limits of the Town of Peterborough. Here 
they lived in common, until by mutual assistance, small houses, or shanties, 
were erected on their several lots, to which they then removed. 

The names of those first settlers who comprised this group, were William 
Dixon and his family of five sons, Joseph Lee and his sons John and 
George ; Robert Millburn, Robert Walton, John Walton, (not the late 
Reeve and no relative) Walton Wilson, Thomas W. Millburn, John Smith 
and his son Joseph Smith. These were commonly spoken of collectively, 
as a the colony" settlers, to distinguish them from others of an early 
period. 

The following were also among the early pioneers, having settled in the 
township during the same season, (1818) and but a little while later than 
those already named : — John Harvey, Ralph Bickerton, Alexander Mor- 
rison, Jacob Bromwell, Robert Nicholson, James Mann and his son James, 

17* 



124 

Thos. Lockhart, and Jolm Yates. Among those from one to three years 
later, were Walter McKibbon, Samuel McKibbon, William Tully, Thomas 
Robinson, Isaac Nicholson, Silas Pearson, Joseph Walton and sons, the 
eldest of which was the late Reeve of Smith ; Matthew and Richard Bell, 
John Edmison, Ephraim Jackson and sons, and Thomas Millburn. 

These names constitute the roll of honor among the early settlers of 
Smith, — men who by their courage in penetrating the forest, and their 
example in enduring and finally overcoming its difficulties and hardships, 
laid the foundation of a fine settlement, in connection with which it is but 
fitting that their names should be remembered, as those of practical 
patriots, whose deeds remain, and the fruit of whose earnestness and 
industry it is to be hoped their children will long enjoy. 

The first requisite to procure land in those days was to take the oath of 
allegiance, on which a certificate was issued as evidence of the fact. A 
location ticket for the lot sought was then granted, for which a small fee 
was charged. Owing to the wild and unsettled state of the township when 
the first of these were issued, "the colony," or first settlers, were not re- 
quired to make any other payment then this mere nominal one ; but in 
later years, a fee of $25 was charged to others on the issuing of their deed. 
Before a full title to the land was procured, an affidavit, made by two per- 
sons, setting forth that the settlement duties were performed, and a house 
at least 18 by 20 feet in size erected, had to be presented at the land office, 
which for some years rendered a second journey to Toronto a matter of 
necessity. The performance of the settlement duties was not so rigidly 
exacted in this township as in Otonabee, in connection with which they 
will be more clearly described. 

The first settlers in Smith encountered difficulties and privations of which 
we, in after times, can have but a faint conception. Unaccustomed as 
many of them were to the new scenes in which they found themselves 
placed ; with scant provisions, and separated by long wastes of wood and 
water from their fellow-kind, their situation, with their wives and little 
ones, must have been at times appalling ; and by less indomitable spirits, 
would have been relinquished in despair. Looking back upon it now, in 
the light of their present prosperity, what have they not achieved ! Such 
brave men are the true patriots, whose names deserve to be handed down 
in the annals of our history to future generations. 



125 

During the first few years, great difficulties were often felt in procuring 
the necessary provisions with which to support life. These had to be 
brought all the way from Port Hope or Cobourg, in the most laborious 
manner, and in the total absence of even the most ordinary roads ; the 
only guide being the ' ; blaze" upon the trees through the interminable 
forest, in which they seemed entombed. Under these circumstances, it is 
not to be wondered at that whole families were often for weeks without 
tasting bread, and that the herbs and succulent roots of the rich woods 
were often called into requisition to lengthen out their scanty fare. 

Late in the autumn, during one of these critical junctures, a number of 
the younger men of the settlement started in company for Port Hope, to 
bring in a supply of provisions, of which their families began to be sorely 
in need. The journey was made by way of the Otonabee river and Rice 
Lake, and on their way back to their expectant households, they encamped on 
an island in Rice Lake. The season was already advanced, and a keen 
frost setting in, what was their surprise and mortification to find themselves 
next morning hemmed in by an icy barrier which stretched away. in the 
distance, and blocked up the mouth of the river through which their 
course lay. Imagine their impatience at being thus delayed, well knowing 
that during their absence their loved ones were living on short allowance, 
and their children vainly stretching out their hands for bread. On the 
next day the ice had become sufficiently firm to support them, and they 
proceeded on their way over its glassy surface, dragging their canoe, with 
their provisions behind them. This is but a sample of the difficulties of 
which those early years furnish many examples. 

Not even after their first small clearings were made, and they began to 
sow and reap their tiny harvests, was their condition greatly improved. 
How they watched the wheat as it grew, and tasted of the pulpy grain as 
it hardened and matured in the kernel ! But there was no mill, and their 
utmost ingenuity could not convert it into the bread for which they longed 
with all the force of early relish. In this dilemma, the stumps of trees, or 
some of the larger logs, were hollowed out into pot-shaped cavities, in 
which a huge mallet was made to fall, to crush the grain ; the process being 
aided by the spring of a sapling bent over for that purpose, or the unwieldy 
lever still used for raising the bucket in farm wells. Wheat was boiled, 
roasted, and as a food for children, was even chewed by their parents, 
besides being thus pounded, in order to convert it into food. 



126 

The more robust and vigorous, indeed, not unfrequently shouldered a 
bag of wheat, and carried it through the woods of Monaghan, Cavan and 
Hope to Smith's creek, as Port Hope was then called, returning with it 
ground, to the great joy of the household. On such journeys it was usual 
to take along a supply of potatoes to be eaten on the way, a sufficiency 
being concealed beneath some friendly root, or convenient wind-fall at about 
midway of the distance to be used on the way home. 

A little later, an apology for a mill was erected on Galloway's Creek, in 
Cavan, and a now leading and wealthy farmer in Smith, informs us, that 
after the family were two weeks without flour, he, then a young man, took 
the oxen and the sleigh, and wended his way through the woods to Gallo- 
way's. Winter was setting in, and he found the mill silent and the water 
wheel frozen and immovable, Determined to have the flour, he set to 
work with a will, but after chopping away the ice, and spending nearly 
all night in clearing obstructions, a few rounds was the utmost the 
machine could be urged to go, and he had to trudge back weary and dis- 
appointed. 

About the year 1821, the little mill erected by Mr. Adam Scott, on the 
bank of the Otonabee, at Peterborough, and which has been already de- 
scribed, was set in motion, and imperfect though it was, it must neverthe- 
less have been a great boon to settlers so situated. 

A small grist mill was erected by Jacob Bromwell, one of the early set- 
tlers in Smith, which came into operation just before the mill erected by 
the Government in 1827. Bromwell's mill was a frame structure, erected 
at the mouth of a small creek which enters the Otonabee river just below 
Mr. Snyder's saw mill. In point of size and usefulness, it was about on a 
par with Adam Scott's ; and was but a brief time in use, — the erection 
of the larger mill referred to, having superseded the necessity for both of 
these lesser structures. 

A deputation from the early settlers in Smith waited upon His Excel- 
lency, Sir Peregrine Maitland, to express the disadvantages under which 
they labored ; but as reference has already been made to the incidents of 
that occasion, they need not be repeated here. With the erection of the 
grist mill at Peterborough by the Government, a new era dawned upon 
the settlers in this as well as the adjacent townships, and thenceforward 
their prosperity and success were fully assured. 



127 

The present excellent roads in Smith were only brought to their present 
perfection after long years of successive improvement and the outlay of 
large sums of money. In 1831, a writer in the Cobourg Star described 
the communication road as scarcely passable for ox teams, and filled with 
boulders, stumps and other obstructions. In 1832, £100 was granted 
by the U. C. Legislature to improve this road, and further sums in later 
yeaTS. 

The following is an extract from the official returns of Smith for 1832 : 
Number of persons. assessed 116, acres cultivated 2181, horses 23, oxen 
160, cows 232, horned cattle 143. Total assessed value £8099. Total 
rates levied £38 lis. Id. Total population 753. 

There are two official school returns for 1832, one being that taught by 
William Lalley, and the other by P. Wood ; the average attendance of 
scholars being set down as 21 and 27 for these schools respectively. 
Among the school teachers of later years, are the names of Daniel Dove, 
James Brennan, and Orran Movey. These occur about the year 1835. 
The first school house was that erected on Mr. Isaac Millburn's lot, about 
the year 1831. 

Among the first clergymen who visited Smith, were the Rev. Mr. 
Thompson, Episcopal minister from Cavan, the Rev. William Case, Rev. 
George Tar, and Rev. Henry Ryan, of the Methodist Church ; the Rev. 
Samuel Armour, who came in soon after the immigration of 1825, and the 
Rev. J. M. Roger, who located in Peterborough in 1833, also officiated in 
this township ; — religious services having in those early days to be held 
in the houses of the settlers, wherever accommodation could best be 
found. 

The township of Smith was not behind in volunteering for the support 
of the Government in 1837, and many left their homes under a sense of 
duty, at great personal inconvenience and risk to their families. Reference 
has however been made to the chief events of that time in another chap- 
ter, and what has there been given on this subject must suffice. 

The township of Smith is surrounded on three sides by water. From a 
comparatively early period, its western boundary, along Chemong or Mud 
Lake, was placed in communication by means of steamers with the 
back townships bordering on the great chain of inland waters in the heart 
of the County of Victoria. These steamers have been the Sturgeon, the 
Backwoodsman, the Peterborough, the Ogemah, the Fly, the Novelty, 



128 

the Woodman and others. At the principal landing place in Smith, now 
the village of Bridgenorth, wharfs were built, and hotels and stores fol- 
lowed. S. S. Kelly and "Walter Scott, Esquires, have there a steam saw 
mill each, and M. S. Dean, Esq., a grist mill, steam saw and shingle mill, 
and also a store and Post Office. 

In 1837, the site of the village of Bridgenorth was still covered by 
forest. The first house there was built by one William Valley, who kept 
a tavern, which he transferred to William Dorey. Daniel Donahue, 
Ralph Edmison, and finally Asa Dunbar succeeded to the business. Mr. 
Dunbar and Mr. Herrington, a tailor, were the only residents of the place 
in 1843. Besides the store and mills mentioned, it now boasts of three 
hotels, numerous tradesmen, and a neat Wesleyan church erected within 
a few years. 

Smith has two other churches, one a Baptist church, on the communi- 
cation road, built about the year 1840, of which the Bev. John Gilmour, 
the Bev. Bobert McDougall, the Bev. John Edwards, and now the Bev. 
Edward B. Boberts, have been successively the pastors. The other is a 
Presbyterian church, in the northern part of the township, just completed 
and dedicated in September, 1866. Besides these, the churches in Peter- 
borough and Lakefield have supplied the religious wants of a large portion 
of the residents of Smith. 

This township has the merit of being not only the earliest settled, but 
also one of the most thriving and prosperous in the county. In 1852, 
the number of its ratepayers was 250, in 1861, 428, and in 1866 they had 
increased to 621, giving a population in all of about 3600 souls, having 
multiplied nearly three and a half times in the course of thirty years. 

During the fifty years which have now elapsed since the township was 
first settled,, many of the older residents have passed away to their rest ; 
but they lived to see the forest subdued, and broad acres of cleared and 
fertile land stretching away on every side. Their first rude habitations 
had, in many instances, given way to large and comfortable mansions of 
brick or stone, and they and their families enjoyed the fruits of their toils 
in comparative wealth and affluence. The first few years of toil and 
privation in a new country brought in their train, first, plenty, and then 
luxury. The children of the first settlers in Smith, who were young men 
and women during some of the early years referred to, have now at their 
very thresholds all the blessings and advantages of the higher walks of 



129 

civilization. Not only shops and stores teeming with the substantial 
necessaries, but even with the rich fabrics and choice productions of the 
world ; large and elegant churches, within easy access, through the Mosaic- 
windows and stained glass of which the sunlight enters ; the printing press 
and the news depots, rich with the modern literature of the old and new 
worlds ; professional skill, both medical and legal, of the highest order, 
and the most respectable attainments ; a fine Court House and a massive 
Jail, with all the paraphernalia of justice and law in their robes of office. 
Mills and manufactories of large proportions, and capable of an indefinite 
extension ; the iron rail, and the panting locomotive, with the bustling 
railway station, within easy morning walk of the inhabitants, and within 
rifle shot of. the site of that first rude dwelling where the early settlers of 
1818 lived in common until their first shanties could be erected in the 
mighty forest; steamboat communication stretching far into the interior of 
a fine country, yet undeveloped, and teeming with rich forests and vast 
mineral deposits, which may yet supply the wants and the necessities of 
half the world. 

What a contrast does all this, — the reality of to-day, — present to the as- 
tonished vision of the adventurous pioneers who fifty years ago penetrated 
this spot, then in all the wild rudeness of nature, and passed their first 
nights beneath the spreading branches of the hemlock and the pine ! 
Surely a country capable of such astonishing development has still attrac- 
tions for the immigrant from other lands, who may, now as then, in its 
newer districts, carve out for himself a home and an independence, with 
equally gratifying results. We have still in our rear, millions of acres of 
arable 1 inds, well watered, and rich in all the wild treasures of nature, 
which need but the strong arm and the determined will, joined with pru- 
dence and foresight, to become the home of thousands, who in adding 
to the country's wealth, will be most surely enhancing their own. 

The picture here drawn is no fancy portrait : the facts recorded are 
stern realities, and what is here written of the township of Smith might 
with equal truthfulness, be, in great part, repeated in the case of nearly 
every township in the county. 

The establishment of a cheese factory by John Walton Esq v in this 
township, in 1866, is an interesting fact, indicative of the varied resources 
of the Canadian fanner. During this first season, 1600 pounds of excellent 
cheese were manufactured by Mr. Walton, chiefly from his own cows. As 

18 



130 

the importance of this branch of trade, and its adaptation to the Canadian 
soil and climate become better understood, operations like this may be 
expected to become more frequent, and their product more extensive. Mr. 
AValton deserves credit for being the first to introduce the manufacturing 
of cheese on so extensive a scale into this county. 

The last census (1861) shows the population of the township of Smith 
and Harvey to be made up of the following nationalties : — Ireland 455, 
England 354, Scotland, 158, United States 100, Upper Canada 2315, 
Lower Canada 39, other countries 5. 

The religious census for Smith and Harvey for 1861, was as follows: — 
Church of England 656, R. Catholic 492, W. Methodists 707, Bible 
Christians 178, Free Church 815, Church of Scotland 88, Baptists 376, 
other Methodists 94, other churches 20. 

The total population in 1861 of both townships was 3426, of which 
1811 were males and 1615 females. There were in 1860, 17 deaths, 114 
births, and 752 children attending school. 

The Wardenship, — The township of Smith has had the honor of twice 
furnishing a Warden for the county, in the person of M. S. Dean, Esq., 
who held that important position during the years 1861 and 1862. 

We cannot procure the names of the local municipal officers of this and 
the other townships, during many years, without an amount of labor quite 
disproportionate to the results intended in this little publication ; and must 
content ourselves and the reader with a list of the Reeves, Magistrates and 
other prominent officials for the township, which we here subjoin : — 

DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS. 

District Councillors. 

1842, Stepheu Nicholls, — 

1843, William Dixon, — 

1844, William Dixon, — 

1845, William Dixon and Thomas Bell, 

1846, Thomas Bell and John Milburn, 

1847, Thomas Bell and John Milburn, 

1848, Thomas Bell and John Milburn, 

1849, Thomas Bell and John Milburn, 



131 
County Councillors. 



Reeves. 


Deputy Re«ves. 


1850, Thomas Bell, 


— 


1851, John Milburn, 


— 


1852, Thomas Bell, 


— 


1853, Thomas Bell, 


— 


1854, John Walton, 


— 


1855, John Walton, 


— 


1856, John Walton, 


— 


1857, John Walton, 


— 


1858, Isaac Garbutt, 


— 


1859, M. S. Dean, 


Isaac Garbutt, 


1860, M. S. Dean, 


Isaac Garbutt, 


1861, M. S. Dean, 


Isaac Garbutt, 


1862, M. S. Dean, 


Isaac Garbutt, 


1863, John Walton, 


Isaac Garbutt, 


1864, John Walton, 


George Fitzgerald, 


1865, John Walton, 


Isaac Garbutt, 


1866, M. S. Dean, 


George Fitzgerald, 


JUSTICES OF THE PEACE IN THE TOWNSHIP OF SMITH. 


Stephen Nicholls, 


John Milburn, 


William Dixon, 


Thomas Tully, 


Thomas Bell' 


Jonathan Stephenson, 


Thomas Fitzgerald, 


John Walton, 


John Harvey, 


Isaac Garbutt, 


John Hall, 


Lewis Davis, 


William H. Moore, 


M. S. Dean, 


John Bell, 


Michael Sanderson, 


William Elliott, 


S. S. Kelly, 


Emmanuel Mann, 


Andrew Tully. 



LOCAL SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 

William Nicholls Esq., was appointed to this office in 1844. From that 
time until 1852, the duties were discharged by County Superintendents, to 
whom reference is made elsewhere in these pages. The Rev. E. Roberts 
was appointed Local Superintendent in 1852, and continued to hold this 
office uninterruptedly until 1866, when James Stratton Esq., was 

18* 



132 

appointed Local Superintendent of this and some of the adjoining 
townships. 

Township Clerks, &c. — Mr. Thomas Milburn was the first township 
clerk of Smith. Mr. Christopher Burton has now held that position for 
many years, and has also been for some years Treasurer, — offices which 
he has filled with great credit to himself and advantage to the township. 



CHAPTER XXII. 



THE TOWNSHIP OF OTONABEE. 

The township of Otonabee was surveyed in 1819. The first actual 
settler was Mr. George Kent, who, with a number of immigrants, accom- 
panied the late Captain Spilsbury to the township in that year, and was 
located on his land before the township was formally thrown open to set- 
tlement. The others did not become settlers, and from some cause remain- 
ed but a short time. 

Capt. Chas. Rubidge, R. N., also visited Otonabee in 1819 ; and returned 
with his family for permanent settlement in May 1820. He was the 
first in the township to perform the settlement duties and secure a title 
to his land. 

A considerable number of settlers came in during that year, (1820). 
These, as nearly as can be ascertained, were, John Walstead, Major Design, 
Thomas Carr, John Nelson and his sons Andrew and William, John 

Mackintosh, Lindsay, Ambrose Mayett, James Beckett, Thomas 

Nelson, 1 George Esson, with his sons Thomas, Alexander, Daniel and 
Robert ; John Fife and family, among whom were six sons ; James Foley, 
(uncle of the late James Foley, of Norwood, who remained but a short time) 
John Stewart, William Sowden and Ralph Davidson. Besides these, there 
were the -following single men without families : — Robert Redpath, James 
Hunter, George Banks, Nicholas Bullen, Robert Ferguson, Robert Hyatt, 
Lieut. Jenkins and Collier. 

For many long years before the survey or settlement of Otonabee was 
seriously contemplated, a trading post for the purchase of fur and the 
exchange of commodities with the Indians, was kept, at first, by an intel- 



133 

ligent Indian, named Herkimer, and afterwards by Major Charles Ander- 
son, on the shore of Rice Lake ; but as their object was not that of settle- 
ment, we have not mentioned them among the roll of honored names, to 
whom posterity will point as the patriots, who first hewed down the forest, 
and by their labor and their example, amid many dicouragements, have 
made this fine township what it now is — one of the foremost in intelligence, 
in wealth, and successful industry in western Canada. 

The location of the rude house which served for the shelter and the 
home of the lonely trader, was on a point of land just below the site of 
the present Indian village, — Hiawatha. Since the erection of the dam at 
Hastings, (formerly Crook's rapids) the point has become an island, on 
which the remains of the stone chimney and traces of the old house are 
still visible. What a lonely situation three-quarters of a century ago, yet 
not without its picturesque attractions ! The sparkling lake in front, 
redolent with life amid its grassy deeps as yet scarce conscious of the hook 
or spear, — the moaning waves dashing upon the silent shore, beyond which 
rose the giant forest, vast, interminable. And then the drifting snows, 
like a great winding sheet, which for half the year closed up the scene ! 

What cared he — the hardy trader — for the summer glories or the win- 
ter's blasts. Secure in his cosy hut, with a blazing fire, he bade defiance 
to the storm, as he counted his furs, and shrewdly guessed the hundreds of 
per-centage to be realized from his purchases. 

But how changed the prospect now ! The towering pine and the gigan- 
tic elm, with their less imposing brethren of the forest, have in great part 
passed away, and where they stood, the snug farm house, surrounded by 
broad fields of waving grain, attract the sight. Agriculture, followed by 
the numerous appliances of civilization, stepped in to monopolize the soil ; 
and adjoining the spot where once the solitary trader pursued his avo- 
cation, thousands now subsist, in comparative wealth and substantial 
plenty. 

A number of gentlemen occupying the position of half-pay officers, 
secured the greater portion of the lots along the front of the township ; 
thus obliging the other settlers, not without some reluctance, to take up 
positions further to the rear. Several of these gentlemen were not actual 
residents, but employed persons residing in the vicinity to perform the 
settlement duties for them : and many of those who actually settled on 
their land, remained but a few years, and then sought a home more conge- 
nial to their tastes elsewhere. 



134 

The first thing required of the settler in those days, was to go before 
the land Agent, (who resided at first in Toronto, but an agency was after- 
wards opened at Cobourg.) and take the oath of allegiance. For adminis- 
tering this oath, a fee of seven shillings and sixpence was charged ; and 
the applicant was then furnished with a location ticket for any unoccupied 
lot he might have selected. This ticket entitled him to a free grant of 
fifty acres on performing certain conditions known as settlement duties : 
and on satisfactory proof that these terms had been complied with, a deed 
was issued for the fifty acres, with right to purchase the other fifty, or 
any other unoccupied lands in the vicinity. The second fifty acres could 
be procured (thus securing 100 acres) on the payment of £4 ; but with a 
view of checking speculation by non-settlers, an additional 200 acres could 
only be got by paying £36. But these prices were subsequently reduced, 
and land could afterwards be obtained at prices more consonant with the 
circumstances of the time. The rule was, that the settlement duties must 
be performed within eighteen months, or the claim was forfeited, and 
might be handed over to another. 

These settlement duties consisted in chopping down and clearing out 
the trees and brushwood along the concession line in front of the lot, to 
the width of two rods, and slashing down the timber four rods wide along- 
side of this — thus making an opening through the forest six rods wide, 
along the entire length of the lot of 100 acres, which, with similar work 
on the part of the owner of the opposite lot, opened to view the whole 
breadth of the concession line. In addition to this, a clearing of two acres 
at least, must be made, and a house or shanty 18 x 20 feet in size erected 
on the land. The absentees, who hired men to perform this work, did so 
at an average expense of $25 per 100 acres, varying, of course, according 
to circumstances and the terms of the bargain made. But, as a rule, 
these requirements were only very partially fulfilled ; the sterner necessities 
of the settler occupying his time ; while the difficulty of access to the 
new settlements, and no doubt a desire to deal leniently with the early 
pioneers, rendered official enquiries easily satisfied, or evaded, without 
any very serious dereliction of truth. 

The only means of ingress to the township of Otonabee, in those early 
days, was by crossing Bice Lake in small boats or skiffs, hired for the 
occasion, at a tariff of charges which would now be considered very high. 
For instance, a boat and a boy to convey a passenger or two from Gore's 
landing to Foley's point, could hardly be procured for less than four dol- 



135 

lars. In consequence of the inexperience of most of the settlers as to the 
management of a boat in rough weather, these small crafts were fre- 
quently upset by the swells, and the luggage with which they were usually 
loaded, as well as the lives of the passengers endangered, or lost. 

Several accidents of this kind are remembered, and also some very re- 
markable escapes. In the fall of 1820, a Mr. Housten, an intending 
settler in Asphodel, and his three sons, with their effects, arrived at the south 
side of the lake, where the owner of a boat of considerable size, was de- 
manding what was regarded as an extravagant sum for ferrying them 
across. Lieut. Jenkins and a ship carpenter named Collier, who had just 
returned from Kingston with a trim sail boat, promptly undertook the 
task, and the passengers and their goods were placed on board the little 
vessel, which was heavily laden. As they approached the first island, a 
squall arose, the vessel swamped, and the five passengers found themselves 
immersed in the water, amid floating trunks and a bundle of bedding. 
Jenkins could not swim and speedily sank ; Collier was an excellent 
swimmer, but his pockets were loaded with shot. He struck out for the 
island, but becoming entangled in the rice, he too was drowned. Housten 
and his sons, with rare presence of mind, clung to their floating goods, 
which kept them afloat until the larger boat arrived from the shore, and 
they were rescued. 

John Mcintosh and his daughter Margaret, perished, as was believed, by 
breaking through the ice, in attempting to cross. His body was found 
during the following spring in Foley's bay, and hers further down at a 
point of land since called Margaret's island. 

Other fatal accidents of a similar kind were not unfrequent, so that the 
passage of the lake came to be regarded as dangerous. This circumstance, 
combined with the total absence of milling facilities, and the great exer- 
tions and expense involved in getting supplies from without, cast a gloom 
of despondency over the young settlement. Many of the younger men 
left the township, to seek occupation elsewhere, and at the end of the 
third year, the new setttlement had receded rather than advanced. 

During these early years, hand-sleighs were frequently used during the 
winter months to transport provisions and necessaries, from the south side 
of the lake, across the ice, and along a devious road through the almost 
un tracked snow, to the hungry mouths, several miles inland in the forest. 
Even after Scott's little mill was erected at "the Plains/' it was difficult 



13(5 

or impossible to reach it in the depths of winter ; while during the summer 
months, those residing in the south-eastern portion of Otonabee, found it 
to their advantage to carry their scanty store of grain several miles to 
Rice Lake, paddle it up to the mouth of the Otonabee river, and thence 
along the windings of that crooked stream till at length the longed-for 
destination was reached, (Scott's mill, at "the Plains," now Peterborough,) 
and after an indefinite delay, they returned by the same route. 

Not only were passengers and goods conveyed across the lake in small 
boats, but also young cattle ; and in one instance, as we are credibly in- 
formed, a settler conveyed down the lake, a distance of 14 miles, 4 head 
of cattle two years old, in a skiff, he paddling all the way seated in the 
stern. 

For many years the skins of the hogs, annually killed, were made into 
moccasins, with the hairy side in, as a substitute for boots, and in the 
scarcity of tea, which was then a costly luxury, wild peppermint, sweet 
balm, and other herbs were made to take its place. One of these went by 
the name of Foley's tea, and some others were believed to be an antidote 
to fever and ague, — a disease from which the early settlers suffered 
severely. 

These were the times to try men's patriotism and to test their patience ; 
but well and bravely did the men and the women too of that day endure 
their privations ; and though many of them have passed away to their rest, 
those who remain, and their children's children, enjoy the fruits of their 
labors. The heart loneliness of many of these early settlers, and the long- 
ing for the familiar objects of their native land, expressed in the following 
original lines, written in Otonabee and published at a later date, must 
then have found an echo in the bosom of many of these early settlers at 
the time of which we write. We quote the lines from the Cobourg Star, 
of December 31st, 1831, without being able to indicate their author: — 

MY HAME. 

I carina ca' this forest, name, 

It is nae hame to me ; 
Ilk tree is suthern to my heart, 

And unco to my e'e. 

If I cou'd see the bonny broom 

On ilka sandy know' j 
Or the whins in a' their gowden pride, 

That on the green hill grow ; 



137 

If I cou'd see the primrose bloom. 

In Nora's hazel glen ; 
And hear the Unties chirp and sing, 

Far frae the haunts o' men : 

If I cou'd see the rising sun 

Glint owre the dewy corn ; 
And the tunefu 1 lav' rocks in the sky 

Proclaim the coming morn : 

If I could see the daisy spread 

Its wee flowers owre the lee ; 
Or the heather scent the mountain breeze, 

And the ivy climb the tree : 

If I could see the lane kirk yard, 

Whar' Men's lye side by side : 
And think that I could lay my banes 

Beside them when I died : 

Then might I think this forest, hame, 

And in it live and dee ; 
Nor feel regret at my heart's core, 

My native land for thee. 

Otonabee, 1st December, 1831. 

A short time after Captain Rubidge had located, with his family, on 
his land in Otonabee, and early in the summer of 1820, he was visited by 
John Covert, Esq., (father of the President of the Port Hope, Lindsay 
and Beaverton Railway, and William II. Draper Esq., now Chief Justice 
of Upper Canada, but then an unfledged barrister ; both of whom intended 
to locate themselves on land in Otonabee. The former gentleman, indeed, 
had already purchased fifty acres of land from Capt. Rubidge ; but the 
prospect of the new settlement was far from encouraging, and the black 
flies at that season proved so annoying, that, after spending a night in 
Capt. R's unfinished domicile, using the loft, partly floored with boards, 
for a sleeping apartment, they were only too willing to beat a retreat, 
without even visiting the land on which their plans had previously been 
fixed. 

It is not to be wondered at, that in the condition of the country which 
then prevailed, others of those who had chosen locations, abandoned them, 
and, possessed of means to some extent, sought elsewhere these advantages 
and facilities which time and the increase of population, aided by the 

19 



138 

paternal care of the Government, at length provided even here, and which 
have since placed this township on a level with those most favored in the 
Province. 

Of the entire first settlers, whose names were previously given, four, 
only, now survive ; but these continue hale and vigorous, and give promise, 
we trust, of many future years. Their names are: — Captain Charles 
Rubidge, R. N., Mrs. (George) Esson, Mr. George Howson, Mrs. (John) 
Blizard, (senior). 

Among the early settlers in Otonabee, deserving, from his talents and 
enterprise, of more than a mere passing notice, was Thomas Carr, Esq. 
This gentleman, after a residence of about ten years in the West Indies, 
became afflicted with a white swelling of the knee, which caused him to 
return to his native land. He underwent the operation of amputating' the 
diseased limb at Edinburgh, and on his recovery, made his way to Canada 
in the year 1819, and with his brother Andrew, settled in Otonabee during 
the following year. The two brothers acquired the land on which the 
village of Keene stands, Thomas owning the 100 acres on the south, and 
Andrew that on the north side of the intersecting line. Andrew was 
killed soon after by the fall of a tree while performing settlement duties on 
the land of one Jenkins ; but Thomas continued an active life for many 
years, displaying much enterprise, and investing large means in both farm 
and store. Of a cultivated and observing mind, he wrote frequent articles 
of local interest chiefly to the Cobourg Star, one of the earliest, if not the 
first, newspapers in the then Newcastle District. 

Capt, Rubidge kept the first Post Office in Otonabee, at his residence ; 
but Mr. Carr was the first Post-master in Keene, and at one time con- 
ducted an extensive business both at Keene and Norwood. He subsequent- 
ly entered into a mercantile partnership with Thomas Short Esq , and the 
Post Office was then transferred to their joint store. After fulfilling 
various public trusts, among others representing that township in the Dis- 
trict Council, and by his example and his pen, doing much to mitigate the 
disadvantages of settlement in a new country, he at length became melan- 
choly and -depressed in spirits, and although surrounded by kind and at- 
tentive friends, he seemed unable to shake off the incubus which weighed 
upon his mind. The following lines written by him in 1831, and pub- 
lished in the local papers of the district, are applicable to his own sad end 
in November, 1860, which occurred in the house of a near relative; for he 
had never married. 



139 

ELEGY. 

On the late lamented death of< Esq., who fell by hia own hand. 

Why didst thou stop the vital stream ? 

Oh ! say, what pang, thy bosom tore ? 
Had life's fair prospects ceased to beam ? 
Or cherished friends didst thou deplore ? 

Did love his golden shafts employ, 

And in thy bosom leave a dart, 
To pierce thy hopes of earthly joy, 

And rankle in thy bleeding heart V 

Or did ambition tire thy breast, 
To tread the thorny paths to fame ? — 

Alas ! ambition mars our rest, 

And envy blights the fairest name. 

Thou had'st not toil'd through life so long, 
To find that all its scenes are vain ; — 

That love belies the poet's song, 
And earthly pleasures end in pain. 

Could not fair fame — connections high, 
Thy heart-corroding cares beguile ? 

Ah ! what can stay the heaving sigh, 
When mental pleasures cease to smile ? 

Where art thou, now? what scenes contain 
Thy viewless form, from dust refined ? 

Does memory still her sense retain ? 
What cares employ thy active mind ? 

Yon beauteous orb which beams on high, 
Know'st thou its nature and its frame? 

Its kindred spheres, that deck the sky, 
What sources feed their ceaseless flame ? 

The world, conceal'd from mortal sight, 
Thou knowest now — we soon shall know ; 

What scenes adorn yon realms of light, 
Far from this earth, and earthly woe. 

A few short years shall pass away, 

And life's vain tumults all shall cease ; 
I too shall hail my latest day, 

And sleep, like thee, at last in peace. 
Otonabee, November 15, 1831. T. C. 

19* 



140 

Before taking leave of the early settlers, and proceeding with a brief 
summary of subsequent events, it may be well to mention, that the families 
of three of the first settlers who came from Kincardine, parish of Tully- 
allcn, Scotland, numbered on their settling in Otonabee twenty-six souls. 
Two of them, Mr. John Fife and Mr. George Esson, were among the first 
settlers, and Mr. David Henderson, the third of the trio, joined them within 
two or three years. Of these twenty-six persons, seventeen are now living, 
after an interval of 46 years. Only nine have died, — three from old age, 
having exceeded four .score years, two at ages between seventy and seventy- 
five, and four between thirty and fifty-five years of age. One of the 
parents still survives in the person of Mrs. George Esson. This fact is an 
illustration of the healthfulness of this climate, notwithstanding the 
dangers and privations incident to early settlement in a new country. 

In the fall of the year 1825, fifty-one families were added to the residents 
in Otonabee from among the immigrants under the Hon. Peter Kobinson. 
In the settlement and location of these, upon their lands, it has already 
been stated, that Captain Rubidge, rendered efficient aid, which was not 
the less prompt and obliging in that it was gratuitously given. 

Those of the immigrants who located in Otonabee, have probably, on 
the whole, proved more successful than those in other townships. They 
had the advantages of an intermixture with settlers earlier than themselves, 
from whose experiences they speedily learned the best method of subduing 
the forest, and whose example of thrift and enterprise they imitated to a 
greater extent than in localties almost wholly peopled by themselves ; where 
practical lessons like these were more sparingly supplied. 

During the same year, (1825) Dr. John Gilchrist erected a grist mill 
at Keene, with one run of stones, and a saw-mill with a single upright 
saw. In order to do this, an excavation for a water course of half a mile 
in length was necessary, which he successfully accomplished at his own 
expense, though aided in part by the voluntary labor of the settlers. In 
order to increase the supply of water in the Indian river, on which this 
mill and that of the Hon. Zaccheus Burnham, subsequently erected at 
Warsaw, depended, these gentlemen, in after years, excavated a short cut 
from Stoney Lake to the head waters of the Indian river, which materially 
increased the supply, and thus afforded a second outlet to the waters of 
that lake. 



141 

Iu the winter of 1829-30, Dr. Gilchrist opened the first store in Keeiie, 
and about the same time a branch of the store of Mr. Dougall Campbell, 
of Cobourg, was also opened in the vicinity, under the management of 
Mr. James Cunimings. Messrs. Foley and Grovcr were the third firm in 
mercantile business at Keeiic. Prior to this period a tavern was in exist- 
ence there, kept by Mr. Archibald Nelson, and another followed, kept by 
Mrs. Hartley, now of Norwood. Thomas Short, Esq., for some time 
M. P. P. for the county, came to Otonabee when but a boy in 1830. 
His subsequent successful and extensive business, which, during many 
years, rendered Keenc and Allandale excellent markets for the produce of 
the county, are well known to every one here, and need not be further 
referred to. 

Among the earliest improvements of a public kind in this township was 
a road from Bannister's point, on Rice Lake, to the Town of Peterborough, 
laid out by Captain liubidge, and graded in a great measure by his own 
personal exertions, aided by a grant of money from the magistrates of the 
Newcastle District. Sir Peregrine Maitland passed up this road on his 
way to Peterborough, in the winter of 1826. For many years it was 
known as Rubidge's road, in consequence of the great interest taken by 
that gentlemen in cutting out and rendering it passable. 

The first school house in Otonabee was of logs, and stood on the east 
half of lot no. 20 in the 4th concession. It was built in 1829 to accom- 
modate a few families then in the vicinity, but was never occupied as in- 
tended ; a second house for this purpose was erected a year or two later at 
a little distance, on the east half of lot no. 20 in the third concession. 
Aid towards procuring glass, &c, was rendered from Cobourg ; and that 
locality also contributed a teacher in the person of Mr. David Housten, a 
Scotchman, who was detained by a severe attack of fever and ague at the 
house of Mr. John Williams, above Sully, for nearly two months. Being 
in a precarious state, Dr. Gilchrist was sent for to visit him, which he did 
more than once. On his recovery, his gratitude to the doctor expressed 
itself in a letter of thanks, in which he lamented that he had no money, 
but promised to pay him as soon as he could. In reply he received the 
following letter replete with the spirit of true christian charity, which we 
present to the reader all the more readily from the fact, that we have but 
few written memorials of the kind physician or the enterprising citizen 
from whom it emanated : — 



142 

Reply to the Moneyless Patient. 

Sir, — When you see a fellow-creature in distress relieve him as far as 
your abilities will allow ; and in so doing you will discharge the debt you 
owe to 

Otonabee, 1830. John Gilchrist. 

In 1832. a school was opened in Keene by Mr. Thomas Dennehy, and 
continued by him for several years. In 1833, the official returns place 
the attendance at this school at 20 children ; and in that taught by Mr. 
William Coulter, in the section now known as no. 5, at 21. In 1835, 
neither the schools nor the attendance appears to have greatly increased ; 
as by the returns made, Mr. Dennehy's school at Keene had an attendance 
of 24, and Mr. William Donaghy's 23. 

Grants were made by the Legislature from time to time for the improve- 
ment of the roads; and from 1830 to 1840 such items as the following 
occur frequently in the Appendix to the Journals of the House : — On the 
road from Rice Lake to Peterborough, £80 ; on the road from Keene 
towards Asphodel, £25 ; on ditto towards Crook's rapids, £50 : on bound- 
ary between Otonabee and Douro, £50. The sums thus granted were 
laid out under the superintendence of commissioners named in the Act, 
the most prominent among whom were Captain Rubidge, William Whit- 
law, Thomas Carr, James Hope, Esquires, and others. . But besides these 
occasional grants, a very large amount of work was voluntarily performed 
gratis, by the residents, in order to improve their roads. 

The first who ministered to the spiritual wants of the people in this 
township was the Rev. Samuel Armour, Episcopal clergyman of Peter- 
borough. It was his custom to hold service once a month at the house of 
Mr. John Nelson, Sr. The Wesleyan Methodists came next, and among 
the earliest of these, was the Rev. Mr. Evans, missionary to the Rice Lake 
Indians, and the Rev. Daniel McMullen, of the Cobourg circuit. These 
gentlemen or their co-laborers, preached once a month at the houses of Mr. 
John Fife, Jr., and subsequently at those of Mr. John Stewart and Mr. 
George Howson. The first Presbyterian minister who visited Otonabee 
was the Rev. Archibald Colquhoun, about the year 1834. He resided 
about five years among his parishioners there, and then, a difference arising 
between him and his hearers, he removed to Dummer. The Rev. Mr. 
Wallace succeeded him; but his health was infirm, and on his retirement, 
the Presbyterian body was supplied for some years by missionaries, until 



143 

the induction of the Rev. Mr. Andrews, who still resides at Keene. The 
present Methodist and Presbyterian churches, at Keene, were the first 
erected in the township, many years ago, but the precise date we have 
been unable to ascertain. 

Since the erection of mills at Keene and Peterborough, in 1825-6, and 
the influx of population which then took place, the substantial progress of 
this township has been marked, and almost uninterrupted. It is not 
within the scope of the present work to enter largely into the details of 
the census, or of the general statistics of the townships, as these have been 
made public from time to time, and are easy of access. The following 
summary, compiled from official returns, will, however, be interesting, as 
shewing the gratifying progress and development made by this township 
during less than a single generation : — 



Year 


No. of 
House- 
Holders. 


Total 
Popula- 
tion. 


Total 

Assessed 
Value. 


Total 
Taxation. 




1832 

1842 
1852 
1857 
1866 


213 
369 
611 

853 
803 


862 
1643 
3872 
5331 
4818 


$ 46724 
105623 
655770 
766120 

558475 


$ 224") 
i 

964 f" 

2187 J 


Ashburnham 
included. 

do. omitted. 



It must be borne in mind that the estimated valuation in the above 
table, is that adopted by assessment for the purpose of levying rates, and 
is much below the full actual value of the lands in question. 

The county rate alone, for the year 1866, is $3207, — a figure in 
marked contrast to even the entire taxation of former years. 

In 1853-4, the Cobourg and Peterborough railway was completed, and 
passed through the heart of this fine township, which was furnished with 
station accommodation. By private enterprise, chiefly, a line of telegraph 
wire was, at the same time, erected from the station to the village of 
Keene, — a distance of about four miles ; and an impetus was given to the 
growth of that village, which, unhappily, has not been sustained ; although 
it is still the centre for the transaction of a large amount of local 
business. 



144 

Since 1860, the railroad, with its huge embankments, its rusting irons, 
and empty and deserted station grounds, remain, silent monuments of the 
mutability of human hopes ; and from the repose of their solitude, un- 
broken now by the roar of wheels, or the rush of the iron steed, they serve 
to remind us, that great natural obstructions, do, sometimes, for a time at 
least, bid defiance to the genius and the power of man. 

That this solitude may yet be broken, and this fine road resume its 
former usefulness, is still ardently desired, and by many believed to be 
among the probabilities of the future. 

Notwithstanding the present disadvantage from the closing of this road, 
— the proximity of the Town of Peterborough on one hand, and the 
facilities for steam communication on Rice Lake, during the summer 
season, on the other, place Otonabee in a position leaving little to be de- 
sired in the way of speedy transit, and give advantages to it, of which any 
township might well feel proud, and before which those of few would be- 
preferred. 

The last census (in 1861) showed the population of Otonabee to be 
made up of the following nationalties : — Ireland 759, England 289, Scot- 
land 412, United States 37, Upper Canada 2684, Lower Canada 30, other 
countries 10. 

By the same official returns, the adherents of the several churches were 
as follows: — Church of England 669, Roman Catholic 1232, Wesleyan 
Methodist 922, Episcopal Methodist 6, Bible Christian 80, Free Chureh 
1105, Church of Scotland 122, Baptists 7, other Methodists 30, other 
churches 48, 

The total population was then set down at 4221, of which 2230 were 
males and 1991 females. During 1860, there were 40 deaths, 116 births, 
and 862 children attending school. 

Wardens, — Otonabee has had the honor of contributing two Wardens 
to the County Council, who have very worthily presided over the delibera- 
tions of that body. These gentlemen are William Lang and Evans 
Ingram, Esquires, — the former of whom held that important position in 
1860, and the latter in 1866, with credit to themselves and advantage to 
the county. 



145 



DISTRICT AND r-nr. \TY COUNCILLORS. 



District Councillors. 



1842, Thorn; 


as Can- 


and James Doris, 


1843, Roger 


Bates and Thomas Carr, 


1844, Roger 


Bates i 


ind D. McFarlane, 


1845, Roger 


Bates and D. McFarlane, 


1846, Thomas Shor 


t and D. McFarlane. 


1847, Roger 


Bates : 


and Thomas Short. 


.1848, Roger 


Bates and Thomas Short, 


1849, Thomas Short and Roger Bates. 


Con 


<nty Co 


uncillors. 


Reeves. 




Deputy Reeves. 


1850, Thomas Short, 




Henry Bawbell, 


1851, Thomas Short, 




W. Armstrong, 


1852, William Lang, 




James Anderson, 


1853, William Lang, 




James Anderson, 


1854, James Anderson. 




William Lang, 


1855, William Lang, 




Richard Reid, 


1856, William Lang, 




Richard Reid, 


1857, William Lang, 




Thomas Ryan. 


1858, William Lang, 




Andrew Jackson, 


1859, William Lang, 




Evans Ingram, 


1860, William Lang, 




Evans Ingram, 


1861, Evans Ingram, 




Alex. Campbell, 


1862, Evans Ingram. 




Joseph Bowie, 


1863, Evans Ingram, 




Andrew Nelson, 


1864, Evans Ingram, 




John Blizard, 


1865, Evans Ingram, 




James Miller, 


1866, Evans Ingram, 




John Miller. 


JUSTICES OF THE PEACE IN OTONABEE. 


Thomas Carr, 




Charles Rubidge, 


Dr. John Gilchrist, 




Duncan Cameron, 


William Stewart, 




Roger Bates, 


Thomas Chambers, 




Henry Bawbell, 


Thorn a? Buck, 




William Learmont, 


Geor-ge Reid, 




William Lang, 



20 



146 

Justices of the Peace — continued. 

Richard Reid, Evans Ingram, 

James Cameron, George Carlow, 

Christopher Howson, James Miller, 

Adam Starke. Thomas Short. 

LOCAL SUPERINTENDENTS FOR OTONABEE. 

The first Local Superintendent of Schools for Otonabee was James 
Anderson, Esq., who was appointed to that office in 1844. He was suc- 
ceeded by Adam Stark, Esq., in the following year. After the office of 
County Superintendent had been dispensed with, the Rev. E. Roberts, was 
appointed Local Superintendent of Schools for this township in 1852, 
and continued so to act until 1855, in which year the Rev. Francis 
Andrews, of Keene, received the appointment, and retained the office until 
1866, when the Rev. David Caution, of Peterborough, was appointed 
Local Superintendent for this township. 

The village of Keene, for some years, has had an excellent school, and 
throughout the township generally the work of education is successfully 
progressing. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



THE TOWNSHIP OP DOURO. 

The first settlers in Douro arrived in the autumn of 1822, — a date 
prior to the survey of the township, which was made in the following year. 
The enterprising men who, with their families, thus dared the perils of 
the bush, were the Hon. Thomas Alexander Stewart, M. L. C, and 
Robert Reid, Esq., both of whom not only triumphed over the difficulties 
of the situation, but in after years found their toils rewarded by wealth 
and affluence. Both were created Justices of the Peace, and filled many 
other important offices of trust and emolument in the settlement and amid 
the community they were the first to found. Indeed so high was the 
estimation in which Mr. Stewart was held, both for his personal qualities 
and the services he had rendered by example and influence, in farthering the 
interests of the country, by the promotion of actual settlement, that in the 



147 

year 1833, lie was elevated to a seat in the Legislative Council of Canada, 
by appointment of the Crown ; — a position he continued worthily to fill 
until the period of his decease in September, 1847. 

These gentlemen, on leaving Ireland, were furnished with letters to the 
Governor of this Province, by whom land was assigned them in Douro, 
then a wilderness, and, as already stated, not even surveyed. Mr. Stewart 
received a grant of 120O, and Mr. Reid of 2000 acres, on condition of 
actual settlement and the performance of settlement duties, — terms, at the 
time, sufficiently arduous and trying even for the stoutest hearts and the 
bravest spirits. They also received permission to hold the entire town- 
ship for a period of five years, with a view to promoting its settlement by 
their friends, acquaintances or others, who might be induced to emigrate 
and settle in so remote a situation — a right which they cheerfully and 
patriotically relinquished at the request of the Hon. Peter Robinson, in 
1825, on his arrival at Peterborough with the immigrants under his 
charge. 

We cannot better portray the difficulties and privations, as well as the 
heroism incident to the settlement of the township of Douro, at the period 
referred to, than by quoting entire the followiug touching narrative of the 
personal experiences of the wife of one of the first settlers, who kindly fur- 
nished it in response to our appeal for information in regard to those early 
days ; and to whom, and to others, who have cheerfully assisted us, we 
are under so many obligations. The following is this most interesting- 
narrative :— 

" On the first day of June, 1822, we sailed from Quebec, accompanied 
by my brother-in-law and his family, which consisted of his wife, six 
daughters and three sons. We came up the St. Lawrence from La Chine 
in batteaux, which was a very tedious mode of travelling. We reached 
Toronto, (then called York) in August, and were detained there several 
weeks by illness. Meantime my husband and brother-in-law procured a 
grant of land in Douro, and started to see it." 

"About the first of October, we came to Cobourg, then a very small 
village. From thence, my brother-in-law with some hired men proceeded 
direct to Douro, to make an opening in the woods ; my husband being pre- 
vented by illness from accompanying them. Two clearings were commenced 
about a mile from the boundary of the township of Otonabee. Early in 
November, my sister-in-law and her children joined her husband in the 

20* 



148 

backwoods. They took a large Scow, or flat bottomed boat, from Rice 
Lake, which on the second evening reached the Little Lake. They land- 
ed on the point of land near where the village of Ashburnham is now 
situated, and from thence proceeded to their shanty, about three miles 
from the landing." 

"My husband, myself and three little children, with a maid-servant and 
a boy, were to come up on the return of the boat ; but we were detained 
at Oobourg by the illness of one of our children, and therefore were 
obliged to w r ait for sleighing, to perform the journey by land^ through the 
townships of Hope, Cavan and Monaghan." 

"At that time there were but few settlers in these townships ; and on 
the second day w T e travelled niuc or ten miles without seeing a house or 
clearing. At last, we reached "Scott's mill," (on the 12th of February, 
1823, at 1 o'clock p. m.) then the only house in Peterborough. The 
Little Lake not being safe for teams to cross on the ice, we were obliged 
to walk over, — our children and luggage being carried by our servants, 
and some men who kindly assisted. The snow was then about two feet 
deep. Our ox-team and sleigh w r ere in waiting on the other side , but by 
the time we had all reached the place daylight began to fail, which made 
our progress through the w r oods much more difficult ; and the sleigh being- 
loaded, I was obliged to walk. Our lantern, unfortunately, got filled with 
snow, and our candle so wet that it would not light. So we proceeded 
slowly, and at last perceived a light before us, and soon reached our log- 
house. The light proceeded from a large wood fire, which rejoiced our 
hearts." 

" We found our house in a very unfinished state ; the door had not 
been hung, nor were any partitions made. A large opening was left in 
the roof, where the chimney was to have gone up, but the intense frost 
had stopped the mason-work, when about half completed. Finding this, 
rather cooled us, and we felt puzzled where to lay our sleeping children, 
as the floor was covered with a thick coating of ice and mortar. However, 
we soon discovered some shavings left by the shingle makers, which we 
spread on the ice, and then laid on our mattrasses, and on these made a 
temporary "shake-down," on which we cheerfully laid down, after a sup- 
per of tea, bread, butter and pork. Being very weary, we slept sound- 
ly ; but in the morning, on looking up, I saw the stars through the aperture 
left for the chimney." 



"At tint time, my brother-in-law and his family lived in au open shanty, 
about half a mile north of us, and from having their fire outside, they 
were much anuoyed by the smoke and sparks blowing in, which at night 
often set fire to their bedding." 

•• By slow degrees these difficulties were surmounted ; but we found new 
difficulties arising from the want of roads, or some means of conveying our 
provisions from Cobourg, which was the nearest town. Mr. Bethunc was 
then the only store-keeper there, and was also Post-master. We sent to 
him when a fresh supply of provisions or other necessaries was required, 
and these were forwarded to us by way of Rice Lake, which proved a very 
tedious and expensive mode of conveyance, and the delay of our supplies 
sometime drove us to most painful straits. In the autumn a sufficient 
store had to be procured in this way to last for five months, as our winters 
at that time set in about the end of October and seldom terminated until 
the middle or end of April. At one time, before we had any shoemakers 
near us. we sent an order to Cobourg for boots and shoes, for both families, 
numbering about twenty persons of all ages, and after waiting a long time 
for them, we learned that they had been lost in crossing Bice Lake, and 
could not be recovered. This was a serious loss, as they could not 
be replaced for some months, and in the meantime many were obliged to 
go barefooted." 

" Pea soup and pork was our principal food. Our bread was good, when 
we could get good flour, or when the yeast was not frozen. Very often 
we had only rye meal, which was not disagreeable : but one season, not 
being able to procure flour or meal of any kind, we were obliged to use 
boiled wheat and corn, and were once reduced to bran cakes, which soon 
disagreed with us.' 

"As our first Spring in the backwoods advanced, I was delighted with 
the beauty and novelty of the scene around us. Our clearing was opened 
to the river, which in those days rushed along with great rapidity and 
noise, carrying down large masses of ice from the lakes and waters above us. 
Since then the numerous dams have marred the natural beauty of the river ; 
while the fine hemlocks and cedars which grew so beautifully along the 
bank, were since cut down, and have disappeared." 

" In the Autumn of our first year in Douro, our youngest child, a sweet 
little girl of not quite two years old, was seized with dysentery. I was 
quite ignorant of the treatment of that disease, and there was no doctor 



150 

within reach, — the nearest being Dr. Hutchesou, who then resided in 
Cavan, a good many miles distant. We had as yet no canoes on the river, 
and were often depending upon a chance visit of the Indians for a passage 
to the other side. One of our hired men, a faithful Highlander, seeing 
how very ill our darling was, volunteered to swim across the rapid stream, 
and walk through the woods to the doctor, premising that, if I wrote the 
particulars, he would bring the necessary medicine. He started early in 
in the morning of a cold October day, and returned about midnight, with 
some powders and a message that the doctor would come up on the fol- 
lowing day. But no improvement followed, aud the day was passed in 
great anxiety, for the doctor did not arrive. On the third day he came, 
having left home at the promised time, but lost his way in the woods, and 
hence the delay. The next day she appeared more lively, but refused to 
take the arrowroot and sago which I offered her. She asked for bread, 
and of this we had none fit to give her, having for some time been unable 
to procure good flour. It was a bitter trial not to have what she seemed 
to crave. The next day she fell into a stupor, and towards midnight her 
angel spirit passed away to the immortal land. A few weeks after this 
sad event, she was replaced by another dear little daughter, — the first 
white child born in Douro, who still lives, and is a comfort and a blessing 
to her aged mother and a fine family of her own." 

"Ague did not make its appearance for some years. Between 1823 and 
1825, when the Hon. Peter Robinson arrived with a large immigration, 
we had many hardships and privations to endure, partly from a want of 
knowledge of the proper way of managing, and partly from the heavy 
expenses incurred on our first starting, by the exorbitant charges, and 
high price of every kind of provisions and clothing, besides the great diffi- 
culty of procuring even the most necessary articles. But after the estab- 
lishment of Peterborough, all these difficulties gradually disappeared, and 
have now nearly faded from my memory." F. S. 

There must have been many incidents in the Canadian life of the two 
first settlers .mentioned, which would be worth recording, could they be 
remembered or reproduced. Robert Reid Esq., was a man of vigorous 
frame, and fitted by nature to endure the difficulties and surmount the 
trials of early Canadian life. Of these difficulties and arduous toils, we 
may be sure there were enough in store for the settler in Douro, at the 
early period mentioned as the date of its first settlement. The absence of 



151 

mills, stores and even the most ordinary mechanics, already mentioned in 
the case of settlers in other townships, were hardships equally experienced 
here, as a practical illustration of which it is mentioned that Mr. Reid, 
having broken his logging chain, was obliged to carry or drag it all the 
way to Port Hope to get the broken link repaired. But all these early 
difficulties were overcome by manly vigour and perseverance. Mr. Reid 
not only raised, but educated, a large family, some of the members of 
which reside near the old family location, and are among our most respected 
citizens. 

Mr. Reid was a Justice of the Peace, and for many years worthily dis- 
charged the duties of Auditor for the County, besides filling various other 
offices of trust in his municipality. His death occurred in March, 1856, 
at the advanced age of 84 years. 

The Hon. T. A. Stewart, M. L. C, was a man of less vigorous frame; 
but appears to have borne up manfully against the toils and discourage- 
ments incident to early life in the backwoods of Canada. In the preced- 
ing pages his name is more than once mentioned as associated with the 
leading public affairs of the time, and especially so as chairman of the 
Building Committee of the present Court House and the old Jail, in 
connection with which great responsibility and much anxious care 
devolved upon the few leading men who had in charge that erection. 

During his career as a Legislative Councillor he did much towards the 
improvement of this sectiou of the Province ; and chiefly owing to his 
influence, the survey of our inland waters was undertaken, and important 
works commenced, although the great work of a ship canal then projected, 
was never pushed forward to completion. 

On his decease, the Hon. Ebenezer Perry, of Cobourg, was the sole 
representative of this section of the country in the Legislative Council, 
until that body was made elective, and the Hon. Mr. Murney became the 
representative of the Trent Division in 1857. 

In September, 1831, Samuel Strickland, Esq., Colonel in the Canadian 
militia, who from the year 1825 until that date, had resided on land he 
had purchased and cleared in the township of Otonabee, one mile from 
Peterborough, removed to the lot on which he has since resided, accom- 
panied by a young Englishman named RawlinsOn, and an immigrant black- 
smith named Copping, who also secured a lot of land a little further north , 



152 

These lands were procured on terms similar to those under which immi- 
grants were then being located in Bummer by Captain Rubidge, — namely, 
paying to the Government five shillings an acre within a term of five years, 
and performing the settlement duties. Here Col. Strickland commenced 
the duties and hardships incident to the first settlement of a new country ; 
— with what success, his fine mansion, with its elegant grounds overlook- 
ing the Katchewauoonka lake and the flourishing village of Lakefield, 
as also the broad acres of his rich and well cultivated farm, bear ample 
testimony. 

In the Autumn of 1831, there was no settler within several miles of 
that location, and not even the semblance of a road to Peterborough, — a 
distance of nine miles — until one was cut out mainly by his exertions. 

Col. Strickland has written a work, entitled " Twenty-seven years in 
Canada,'' which was published in London in 1853, but from some cause 
was sparingly circulated in this country. We would gladly publish several 
extracts at length from this narrative, in reference to the personal expe- 
rience of this gentlemen, were it not that the contemplated bounds of this 
little work promises to be already largely exceeded, and we must content 
ourselves with the following : — 

" I must tell my readers, that settling in the bush now, and twenty 
years ago, is quite a different affair : at the present time good roads and 
saw and grist-mills exist in almost every township, which was not the case 
when I located myself in Douro. There were then neither mills nor fac- 
tories in my township, nor in the adjoining ones of Smith to the west, or 
in Dummer to the east, the nearest mill being in Peterborough, ten miles 
distant. But if it had been twice as near, there was no road or any possi- 
bility of drawing up boards or lumber of any sort ; so I had nothing 
better for it than to do as better men had done before me, viz. : to hew 
boards out of the solid timber, a work of much difficulty and labor." 

He states that two days were occupied in getting a load of provisions 
and other necessaries from Peterborough to Lakefield, a distance of only 
ten miles, along his newly-cut road, and adds the following interesting de- 
tails, and an unusual incident : — 

•'Christmas was passed, and I was still an inhabitant of an open slab 
hut. A large black oak. which I had felled, served to form the back of my 
camp. A pole lashed firmly across two trees, twelve feet apart, and as 



153 

high as I could reach, formed the front. A row of split slabs, one end 
resting on the oak and the other supported by the front pole, formed the 
roof. The ends of my camp were stuffed with hemlock brush to keep out 
the wind and rain. My bed was composed of the same material, picked 
fine, and covered with a buffalo robe ; and so, with a roaring fire in front, 
I feared neither frost, nor snow, nor rain. 

M It was during my sojourn in this open hut that the following singular 
adventure befel me." 

" Reader, did you ever see a ghost ? A tall spectral-looking figure, with 
large saucer eyes, glides before you ; and ere you summon courage to 
address it, vanishes from your astonished sight ? Well, Canada is no place 
tor ghosts. The country is too new for such gentry. We have no fine, 
old, ruined castles, crumbling monastic walls, or ivy-clad churches — no 
shelter here but the wild, wild wood. However, it was no ghost, I saw 
as you shall hear." 

" I had occasion to send Rowlandson to Peterborough for a supply of 
provisions and other necessaries ; but owing to the distance I did not ex- 
pect him back till the next day." 

"As I had frequently slept in the woods alone, I thought nothing of it. 
I had been busy shingle making all day, and continued my occupation 
until late in the evening. The night was cold and frosty ; so I had built 
up a large fire in front of my camp, laid my shingle-tackle within reach, 
and I was soon fast asleep." 

" How long I had slept I know not, when I was suddenly awakened by 
a sensation of something heavy scraping my breast ; and on looking up, 
what should I behold, but a hideous-looking creature standing over me, 
with his fore-paws resting on my breast, a long-flowing beard, eyes which 
shone like coals of fire, and a pair of horns which would not have disgraced 
Old Nick himself; and to tell the truth, my first impression was that the 
old gentleman had really paid me a visit." 

" I had, however, no time for reflection — a stamp on the breast soon 
roused me to action. Seizing hold of the shingle-beetle, I dealt his majesty 
such a blow on the head, that it sent him straight into the middle of the 
fire. His rough, shaggy coat was instantly in a blaze, and uttering the 
most unearthly yells, he rushed into the woods, and literally vanished from 
my sight in a flame of fire." 

21 



154 

"All that I have related happened in leys than a minute. I had no 
time to be frightened ; but I was certainly much puzzled to know what 
the beast was, which had paid me such an untimely visit. At first sight 
I thought it was the devil himself, but on consideration was satisfied my 
visitor could not be that terrible personage." 

" I have heard and read much of his satanic majesty being painted in 
all colours, but I never heard of his wearing a white beard ; and, besides, 
he did not stand fire well enough for a person brought up in that element, 
though he certainly had the horns and the cloven foot, and his general 
appearance was not unlike the pictures I have seen of the gentlemen.". 

"Well, the next day cleared up the mystery. On my road to Peterbo- 
rough I had to pass the residence of the C ds, two young gentlemen 

who had recently settled in the township ; when to my surprise I saw, 
standing by the road-side, a large billy-goat, whose coat, burnt in large 
patches all over, explained at once the nature of my nocturnal visitant. It 

appears that the C ds had only brought up the goat from the front a 

few days before. Master Billy had strayed up the road to my place, and 
although his reception was so warm, it proved to be his first and last 
visit." 

" This adventure was certainly a comical one ; but I dare say, if all 
ghosts were as warmly received, they would often be found quite as terres- 
trial in their nature as my ugly but harmless nocturnal visitor." 

In 1832, the entire population of Douro was 571. The number of 
persons assessed 126, number of acres under cultivation 990. Three 
horses were owned in the township, 82 oxen, 105 cows, and 44 other 
horned cattle.* The total assessed value of property was $21312, and the 
taxes for all purposes $102. 

Among those who are still remembered by the early settlers, was Abel 
Perry, who kept a house of entertainment on the leading Douro road, and 
who performed many acts of kindness and hospitality to the early settlers 
of Douro .and Dummer, in their laborious journeys to and from Peterbo- 
rough, while, in many instances, carrying their scanty store of grain or 
flour on their shoulders to mill or market. 

During the rebellion of 1837-8, the people of Douro left their homes 
and their occupations in the most prompt and enthusiastic manner, and 

* Offieial returns. Appendix to Journals of the House of Assembly. 



155 

cheerfully shared in the dangers and privations then impending, in defence 
of the Government. In the absence of official reports and reliable memo- 
randa, we are unable to give the names of the brave men in the several 
townships who then distinguished themselves by their patriotism and loy- 
alty, and must content ourselves and the reader, with the brief reference 
to the events of that time, in so far as this county was concerned, which 
will be found in the preceding pages. 

The site of the present village of Lakefield was early an object of interest 
and speculation to men of capital and enterprise, not only from the fine 
water power it offered, but from the general beauty of the locality, situated 
at the head of a rapids of nine miles, and just below the Katchewanoonka 
lake, and having beyond and further up the stream, the clear waters and 
picturesque islands of Stoney lake. 

A bridge was thrown across the stream at this point at an early period, 
but being only a temporary structure, erected entirely by local and private 
subscription, it was speedily carried away by jams of timber passing down 
the stream. The present excellent bridge is a more recent structure, and 
was erected by the County Council in 1854. 

Among the first enterprising settlers at Lakefield was Mr, James Thomp- 
son. The place at first was known as Nelson's, and then as Herriott's 
falls. In 1851, it passed by the name of Selby. The first grist and saw 
mills, on the Douro side, were burned down, and the village, which had 
begun to show some signs of vitality and progress, declined, and for several 
years was greatly neglected. The fine water power passed through a 
variety of hands; the Hon. Zaccheus Burnham being the chief proprietor. 
Messrs. Strickland and Reid built and conducted the former saw mill, 
subsequently worked by Strickland and Hall. The present large saw mill 
was erected by Messrs. Shaw & Waite, in 1858. Soon after the large 
frame mill on the Smith side of the river was completed by Mr. D'Arcy. 
John Sherin, Esq., was the first store keeper at Lakefield. The small 
school in 1853 was taught by a female. So late as 1854 the place could 
not boast even a tavern. Considering these facts, Lakefield has made most 
astonishing progress, and as a pretty and progressive village, is surpassed 
by few competitors. 

A Wesleyan church, a frame building, was opened there in 18G2, and 
in the following year, the Episcopal church, which has now been super- 
ceded by a costly and elegant stone edifice, which is not only a credit to a 

21* 



156 

village, but would compare favourably in elegance of finish with many city 
churches. This new church, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, was 
opened for service in 1866, by the Coadjutor Bishop elect of the Diocese, 
till recently known as the Ven- Archdeacon Bethune. A neat Free Pres. 
byterian church also graces a gentle eminence on the river bank ; and there 
is besides a Baptist church, a brick edifice ; so that in church accommoda- 
tion Lakefield is abundantly supplied. 

A branch of the Division Court was opened at Lakefield in 1863 ; of 
which B. F. Kirkpatrick Esq., was the first clerk. 

This village has evidently an important future before it. As a spot 
to which it is anticipated railroad facilities will ere long be extended from 
Peterborough, and also the point of connection between such a road and 
steamboat navigation on the fine lakes in its rear, which is only waiting the 
construction of a single lock. at Young's falls to see accomplished, this vil- 
lage will become a most important station, and will no doubt greatly 
extend its operations in trade and manufacture, which for want of an ade- 
quate outlet are now to a great extent restrained. 

The immigrants of 1825, to the number of sixty, were located in Douro ; 
but as a chapter has already been devoted to their arrival and settlement 
upon their lands, any further extended reference to those events are un- 
necessary here. Many of them have proved eminently successful, and all 
of them have greatly benefited their position and circumstances by their 
transference to this the land of their adoption. 

There is not much more to add in reference to the township of Douro. 
Its first settlers gradually overcame the privations and difficulties incident 
to early bush life. The forest has long since been thinned away into nar- 
row strips here and there, leaving in its place broad farms and the numerous 
dwellings and barns of the first and later settlers and their children. Be- 
sides the churches of Lakefield and Peterborough, which are largely attend- 
ed by residents of this township, a neat and commodious Boman Catholic 
church was many years ago erected in the southern part of the township, 
in which officiates a resident pastor. A Post Office was some years ago 
established in the vicinity, while here and there throughout the township 
school houses are established and in active operation. Large sums of 
money have been expended on opening up and improving the different- 
roads through the township, and altogether, the inhabitants, who less than 
half a century ago found themselves in a dense and untracked forest, cut 



157 



off by long expanses of wood and water from the older settlements, and the 
advantages of a developed social system, have now, for many years, enjoyed 
all the advantages and even luxuries of which the residents of older commu- 
nities might well feel proud. 

The population of Douro, as shewn by the last census, for 1861, was 
2497. Of these 1284 were males, and 1213 females. During the year 
1860, there were 6 deaths and 82 births. 513 children were attending 
school. 

The several nationalties were represented as follows, (in 1861) : — Ireland 
597, being a decrease of 25 as compared with the census of 1851. Eng- 
land 128, being an increase of 54 as compared with the same period. 
Scotland 68, also a slight increase, United States 18, Upper Canada 1644, 
Lower Canada 27, and other countries 15. 

The census by religion for 1861, showed, Church of England 363, K. 
Catholic 1230, W. Methodist 67, Bible Christian 54, Free Church 226, 
Church of Scotland 50, Baptists 15; members of other churches not 
specified 15. 

DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS. 

District Councillors. 

1842, Smithin D. Gibbs, 1845, George Clarke, 

1843, Smithin D. Gibbs, 1846, George Clarke, 

1844, George Clarke, 1847, George Clarke, 

County Councillors. 

1850, George Clarke, 1856, James Hogan, 

1851, Sam'l Strickland, 1857, James Hogan, 

1852, David Porter, 1858, George Clarke, 

1853, David Porter, 1859, George Clarke, 



1848, George Clarke, 

1849, George Clarke, 



1862, George Clarke, 

1863, George Clarke, 

1864, John Carnegie, Jr. 

1865, John Carnegie, Jr. 



1854, James Hogan, 1860, George Clarke, 1866, John Carnegie, Jr. 

1855, James Hogan, 1861, George Clarke, 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE IN DOURO. 



Thomas A. Stewart, 
Robert Reid, 
William Blackwell, 
Samuel Strickland, 
Patrick Leahy, 
John Sullivan, 



Charles Stewart, 
Robert Casement, 
David Porter, 
George Clarke, 
Michael Walsh, 
Henry J. Wickham, 



William S. Reid, 
Edward Leigh, 
John Sherin, 
William C. Nicholls, 
Robert A. Strickland. 



LOCAL 

1844, Maurice Clancy, 
Next 7 years County 
Superintendents. 

1852, Rev. E. Roberts, 

1853, Rev. E. Roberts, 

1854, Rev. E. Roberts, 



SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 

1855, Daniel Sullivan, 1861, Michael Walsh, 

1856, Robert Casement, 1862, Micliael Walsh, 

1857, Robert Casement, 1863, Michael Walsh, 

1858, Michael Walsh, 1864, Michael Walsh, 

1859, Michael Walsh, 1865, Dr. T. W. Poole, 

1860, Michael AValsh, 1866, Robert Casement. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



THE TOWNSHIP OF ASPHODEL. 

According to official returns, the township of Asphodel was surveyed 
in the year 1820. Soon after, a few settlers found their way into this 
township by way of Rice Lake, among the earliest of whom was Mr. John 
Beckett and his family. Other early settlers pushed through the wilds of 
Percy, and crossing the Trent river, assisted in its early settlement. 
Among the names of the pioneers into Asphodel, are Mr. John Cameron, 
senior, who with his sons James, John, Duncan, Donald and Ewin, located 
in its south-western portion, but subsequently removed to Otonabee. 
Messrs. Walter Scott, Robert Humphries, Hugh and Alexander McColl, 
W. Kirkpatrick, Job Humphries, Richard Birdsall, William Housten and 
Charles Parker. 

Thirty-seven families were brought into Asphodel by the immigration 
of 1825, and others were gradually added to their number. But the situ- 
ation was then so remote, and the distance to a market, in the absence of 
roads, so great, that progress was slow ; and the struggle for existence wa^ 
maintained under very discouraging circumstances. 

Soon after the first settlers began to find their way into Asphodel, a 
little mill was erected at Norwood by the late Joseph A. Keeler, Esq., of 
Colborne. It contained a single run of rock stones, driven by a tub water 
wheel and a bolt, covered with muslin. Although a mere "apology for a 
mill," it was of the greatest utility to the early settlers, who carried their 
slender store of wheat (usually on their backs) from the adjoining country 



151) 

for a distance of ten to twelve miles, to "Kcelcr's mill," as it was then 
called,, to be ground. Just prior to the erection of this mill, a saw mill 
had been erected by Mr. Keeler, the same dam and flume supplying the 
motive power for both. 

About the year 1826, the first bridge across the river Trent, connecting 
the townships of Asphodel and Percy, was built. Its site was in a portion 
of the river then shallow, one mile above the village of Hastings. It was 
built in the most ordinary maimer, and was carried away during the fol- 
lowing spring. A second and more permanent structure was speedily 
erected, chiefly by Government aid, to replace it, and this with constant 
vicissitudes of fortune, and by the aid of sundry repairs, lasted for a long 
term of years, and proved a great public convenience, until superseded by 
a more costly, though not more durable bridge, crossing the stream below 
the dam, on the site of the present structure. This new bridge was erected 
about the year 18-15, and after a little more than twelve years became so 
decayed as to render a new one necessary. The present one was accord- 
ingly built in 1858, this county contributing towards it the sum of £500. 

The old bridge was frequently severely tried by masses of ice and rafts 
of timber passing down the river. In a humorous letter, written by 
Thomas Carr, Esq., of Otonabee, and published in the Cobourg Star of 
May 10th, 1831, it is made to complain of the treatment thus received; 
and to invoke sympathy and assistance, and not without success ; for in 
the Parliamentary Session of 1832-3, a grant of £300 was made by the 
Upper Canadian Legislature towards its repair, and in 1834 a further 
grant of £100 for the same purpose. 

According to the official returns of the Newcastle District for 1832, the 
entire population of Asphodel for that year was 265 ; the number of per- 
sons assessed 55 ; acres cultivated 767 ; total assessed value of property 
£3410, and total rates for all purposes £16 Is. 3d., — a population, valua- 
tion and taxation strikingly in contrast with the expanded figures of the 
present time. 

In November, 1833, N. H. Baird, Esq., Civil Engineer, reported to the 
Government on the practicability of rendering the river Trent navigable 
from the Bay of Quinte to Rice Lake ; — the cost of the works at Crook's 
rapids being estimated at £7062. 

As late as 1835, the only house on the site of the present village of 
Hae.ings was a small frame building on the bank, erected several years 



160 

before that date, by the Hon. Mr. Crooks, as a mill, containing one run 
of very common stones. It is doubtful whether it ever ground much, 
and is believed to have been intended rather as a means to secure the valu- 
able mill privilege, at that place, than for practical utility. 

Up to 1835, the township had made but little real progress. Only six 
residents owned horses at that time, and the entire township only contain- 
ed four frame dwellings. The population in that year was returned at 
428. 

In the following year (1836) a second run of stones, (those known as 
the bur stone) was added to the one already in use in Keeler's mill.. A 
smut machine, and also an improved bolt, were provided at the same 
time. Peter Pearce Esq., was then in charge of the mill, and was also 
agent for Mr. Keeler's property at Norwood, a portion of which was 
roughly measured off into village lots, — a regular and systematic survey of 
which was made and registered in 1853. 

Of this property, consisting in all of 2000 acres, lots 18 and 19 in the 
9th concession, (400 acres) only were granted to Mr. Keeler, on account of 
services rendered during the war of 1812, in which he held the position of 
Major in the Canadian militia. The remainder was acquired by purchase 
in the early years of the settlement of the township. Since then, the property 
has been greatly improved. Besides the saw mill at Norwood, a second 
one, on lot 20 in the 9th concession, on the same stream, was built, in 
1848, and within a few years, a fine stone grist mill, of four stories, and 
several run of stones, has been built by Thomas Buck, Esq. 

The first store in Norwood consisted of a slender stock of goods, 
on sale in 1837, by the late James Foley Esq., in a small house in the mill 
yard. During the following year, he erected a frame store and dwelling 
house on the hill between the mill and the main part of the village. Here 
for many years he carried on a large and prosperous business; which, 
within a recent period, was transferred to his larger premises in the centre 
of the village. The second store was built by Messrs. Carr & Hose, on 
Belmont street. 

The first tavern in Norwood was kept by the late Mr. Robert Hartley, 
and was opened in 1842. Previous to that time, the house of Peter 
Pearce Esq. was open to all comers, with the most generous hospitality. 
Travellers and others in a constant stream were kindly fed and housed by 
this gentleman and his amiable wife, free of expense, in a manner of which 



161 

lew in later times have any conception, or would care to imitate. Being 
then the only commodious dwelling in the place, public and religious 
meetings were held in the house, the inconvenience cheerfully borne, and 
all made warmly welcome. 

Mr. Thomas Mullens was the first resident shoemaker in Norwood; 
Mr. Thomas Kirk the first carpenter and joiner. The first church built 
in Norwood was that of the Wesleyan Methodists, erected in 1836. It 
was a small frame building, and is still in use in a repaired and renovated 
condition, as a class and lecture room, in connection with the larger Wes- 
leyan Methodist church, completed in the year 1856. The second church 
erected was that for the Independent or Congregational denomination, of 
which the Rev. Thomas Searight was for many years the pastor. This 
society having for some time ceased to exist in that locality, the build- 
ing has been used by other religious bodies, and particularly, of late years, 
by the Episcopal Methodists. The first resident minister of any denomi- 
nation, in Norwood, was the Rev. William Young, of the Wesleyan Meth- 
odist church, whose buggy was the first owned in the township. 

The first Post Office in Asphodel was kept by the late Mr. Thomas 
Walker, on his farm near the present village of Westwood. The second 
was that opened in Norwood by the late James Foley, Esq., at his store in 
Norwood ; the weekly mail bag to and from which place, for many years, 
was very light, and easily borne. What a contrast is presented by the 
daily mail of to-day, teeming with letters and huge parcels of printed 
news ! 

In 1835, N. H. Baird, Esq., reported to the Government on the prac- 
ticability of the second part of his survey — for a canal between the Bay 
of Quinte and lake Simcoe. This time his report embraced the waters 
lying between Rice lake and lake Simcoe. In 1837 the construction of 
the works connected with this great work was commenced, and prosecuted 
during 1838-9. One fine lock was built at Crook's rapids, together with 
an excellent dam, slides, &c, the expenditure on which gave occupation to 
a great number of persons ; laid the foundation for the village of Hastings, 
and tended largely to encourage settlement in the portion of the county 
adjoining. 

During the early years of the township of Asphodel, two distilleries were 
in operation, — one managed by the late Mr. John Beckett, a little distance 
south of Westwood, and the other by Mr. Patrick C, Foley, a mile or two 

22 



162 

west of the village of Norwood. But alter a few years these fell itito dis- 
use ; uot that the demand lor the product of the still had ceased to exist. 
but more probably ou account of the greater facilities existing for its 
manufacture elsewhere, by means of which the market was sufficiently 
supplied. 

One of the first school houses in this township was erected at Norwood. 
It was a small log building, aud stood on the site now occupied by Mr. 
William Sergeant's dwelling house. Among the earliest school returns for 
Asphodel is that for the year 1832, when Mr. J. Wilkins was reported to 
have 22 pupils. What a contrast this first school house would make, com- 
pared with the fine brick building of two stories, and large size, erected 
for a joint Grammar and Common school in 1855, and very much increas- 
ed in size in 18G6. 

From the building of the locks at Crook's rapids in 1837-8, that place 
gradually grew into a thriving village of much importance. T. Coughlan. 
Esq., was the first hotel keeper and store keeper in that place. Its most 
marked progress took place after the chief portion of the property was 
acquired by Henry Fowlds, Esq., and his sons, and their removal there 
in 1857. A new grist and flouring mill was added to the old one, a saw 
mill of great power and numerous saws, capable of manufacturing large 
quantities of lumber yearly for the foreign market, were speedily erected. 
These were followed in later years, by other extensive factories filled with 
valuable machinery. Adjoining the saw mill mentioned, was a large 
w r oolen factory, which had just got into active operation when it was swept 
away by a most destructive fire in 1863, which also consumed the sawmill 
and its contents, and also a large planing mill and sash and door factory 
just erected by Mr. Henry Lye in close proximity. This great loss for a 
time checked the progress of the village, and paralyzed the entcrprize of 
several active and industrious citizens. Another large factory erected for 
a cotton mill, a wool carding and knitting factory, and a still larger saw 
mill than the former one, had in the meantime been erected on the south 
side of the river, just below the bridge, and these important structures 
with their valuable machinery, continue in active operation, and not only 
reflect much credit upon the enterprise of the place, but contribute much 
towards its prosperity. 

Another serious fire occurred in Hastings in the spriug of 1864 ; by 
which a fine brick store and a large stock of goods were almost entirely 



163 

destroyed. Hastings was buoyant, rapidly progressive, and looking for- 
ward to the time when ere long it might become an incorporated village, 
when these severe disasters, followed by the general depression occasioned 
by scant harvests, and the embarrassment of the agricultural community, 
placed a barrier against further progress, and caused a withdrawal of a 
portion of the inhabitants to seek more remunerative employment elsewhere. 
But this dark day, it is believed, has to a great extent passed away ; and 
increased hope and renewed enterprise promise ere long to restore this fine 
village to more than its former prosperity. 

For many years Hastings was but poorly furnished with church accom- 
modation. This want has, however, been abundantly supplied, and several 
fine churcli edifices crown the rising ground which commands a beautiful 
view of the river and the bustling village. The first of these was the Free 
Presbyterian church, a large frame structure, erected in 1858, in which 
the Rev. James Bowie ministered for several years. An Episcopal church, 
also frame, pleasantly situated on the south side of the river, followed in 
1863, of which the Rev. M. A. Farrar is Incumbent. In 1864, the Wes- 
leyan Methodists, with commendable zeal and enterprise, completed a 
tasteful and commodious brick church, while in 1865, a much larger and 
well finished edifice of stone, was erected and dedicated by the Roman 
Catholics, chiefly through the zeal and indefatigable exertions of their 
pastor, the Rev. J. Quirk. 

A neat and tasteful brick school house has now been many years in use, 
— two or more teachers employed, and the most liberal provision made for 
the education of the rising generation. 

In the year 1864, a printing press and type were introduced to the vil- 
lage, by Mr. A. E. Hayter, and the Hastings Messenger was for a time 
published there, but the attempt was premature, and during the period of 
depression referred to, the effort was abandoned, 

Hastings, besides its unlimited water power,, is pleasantly and advanta- 
geously situated on the river Trent, which furnishes communication by 
steamboats with the Cobourg railway at Harwood at Rice lake, and other 
points above and below the village. A new steamboat, the Forest City, 
was built and launched here in 1858, by the Messrs. Fowlds, and has since 
continued to ply up and down the river and lake in the transport of goods, 
passengers and lumber, 

22* 



164 

The County of Northumberland some years ago constructed gravel roads 
which converge to this point from Brighton and Colborne, with which 
places communication is had daily by means of comfortable stages which 
convey the mails. 

These advantages may be supposed to give Hastings priority in impor- 
tance as compared with Norwood ; but the latter village has the advantage 
of seniority, and is the seat of municipal legislation, and for many years 
was a more important centre of business. The sittings of the Division 
Court have been held at Norwood from the first organization of those 
Courts. James Foley, Esq., was its first clerk for many years, and until 
the time of his death in 1864, when Mr. J. A. Butterfield was appointed 
to that office, which he still holds. The Norwood Division comprises the 
townships of Asphodel, Belmont and part of Dummer. 

A half-yearly fair was authorized to be held there in 1856; and for 12 
years it has possessed an excellent Grammar and Common School, in which 
a large number of the teachers in the county have been educated, and 
where a very considerable number of the young men of Asphodel and the 
adjoining townships have been fitted for the halls of college, and have laid 
the foundation for a future entrance on professional life. An institution 
of this kind, in the heart of a rural community, when well conducted, 
cannot fail to exercise the most beneficial and elevating influences ; and 
such indeed, with rare intervals of exception, have been the results of the 
Norwood Grammar School, which was never so successful as at the present 
moment. 

Something remains to be said of the church accommodation at Norwood, 
which from its early settlement has been tolerably ample. In addition to 
those already mentioned, a neat and commodious Free Presbyterian church 
was erected about the year 1846. The Rev. D. McAleese was the first 
resident minister of this church, and was succeeded by the Rev. James 
Bowie, who continued to reside there until 1866, when lie returned to 
Scotland. 

The Rev. Mark Burnham of Peterborough, for many years, visited 
Norwood at intervals of three weeks, and conducted the Episcopal service, 
greatly to the satisfaction and profit of the members of that church in the 
neighborhood. This labor he performed gratuitously, and necessarily, at 
times, at great personal inconvenience. In 1854, the Rev. John Hilton 
became a resident clergyman of that church, but after a year or two was 



165 

removed to another sphere ; when the periodical visits of the Rev. Mr. 
Burnham were resumed and continued until 1863, and the Rev. M. A. 
Farrar, who came to reside at Westwood, in Asphodel, was appointed 
Incumbent of the three churches in that mission, the duties of which he 
still ably fulfils. 

In the meantime, a handsome Episcopal church,^of brick, which had 
been long in progress, was partially completed, and opened for service 
about the year 1860. Through the exertions of an estimable lady of that 
village, a bell was added to the tower of this church, which at morning, 
noon and eve gives forth its sonorous vibrations, which are heard for miles 
around in the adjacent country. A small Roman Catholic church was 
erected about the year 1840, one mile west of Norwood, which for many 
years has very inadequately supplied accommodation to the numerous wor- 
shippers who frequent it. Preparations are, however, being made, and 
material collected, to erect a new and more commodious Catholic church, 
on ground procured for that purpose in the village of Norwood, and which, 
it is anticipated, will: ere long be under contract. 

Of the township generally, there remains but little more to be said. 
During the call for militia in 1837, the people of Asphodel turned out vol- 
untarily, in numbers large in proportion to their scanty then population. 
Richard Birdsall, Esq., took the lead of the Asphodel company, and served 
during several months in the battalion at Peterborough without pay or 
reward. During the decade which followed, the farmers of the township 
made substantial progress, and passed from their early struggles to a state 
of competence and plenty. Many fine farms and elegant farm houses now 
grace the landscape, and harvests are grown and reaped as successfully and 
as surely in Asphodel, as perhaps in any part of Canada. 

Of late, large sums of money have been expended upon the roads, which 
though greatly improved from their condition in former years, still leave 
much to be desired, particularly at certain seasons. But the same remark 
will apply to localities much older, and perhaps in many respects more 
highly favored. 

The official valuation of the lands of the townships as estimated by the 
assessors, or as " equalized' ' by the County Council, have fluctuated very 
much of late years, owing to the absence of an uniform standard of valu- 
ation, not only in the same township, but also as between the different 
townships. A statement of these figures for the past few years, in the 



166 

way of comparison of progress, would avail nothing. From the causes 
mentioned the aggregate valuation of rateable property in Asphodel, in 
1865, was a trifle lower than that of 1862. 

As a comparison with the figures given previously for some of the earlier 
years, it may not be uninteresting to remark that, in 1S66, Asphodel had 
550 ratepayers, which would give a population of about three thousand, 
The total assessed value of its real and personal property was $276,286 ; 
the amount of its county rate alone, exclusive of township and school 
rates, was $1446.84. The number of militia, (for 1866) as returned, 
was, 1st class 138, 2nd class 224, and 3rd class, or reserve, 78. 

Consulting the last census for 1861, we find the census by origin at that 
date, as follows: — Ireland 593, England 145, Scotland 147, United 
States 51, Upper Canada 1912, Lower Canada 59, other countries 5. 

The census by religion for the same period shows: — Church of England 
390, R. Catholic 1025, W. Methodist 802, E. Methodist 28, Bible Chris- 
tian 10, Free Church 496, Church of Scotland 92, Baptists 2, other 
churches 67. 

DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS. 
District Co an cillo rs. 

1842, Richard Birdsall, 1845, James Foley, 1848, James Foley, 

1843, Richard Birdsall, 1846, James Foley, 1849, James Foley, 

1844, James Foley, 1847, James Foley. 

I 'ountfj Councillors. 

1850, Richard Birdsall, 1858, Peter Pearce, 1863, Rich. E. Birdsall, 

1851, Richard Birdsall, 1859, Tim'y Coughlin, 1864, P. M. Grover, 

1852, Peter Pearce, 1860, P. M. Grover, Rich. E. Birdsall, 

1853, Peter Pearce, 1861, P. M. Grover, 1865, P. M. Grover, 

1854, Peter Pearce, Francis Birdsall. Rich. E. Birdsall, 
1855,' Peter Pearce, 1862, P. M. Grover, a 1806, P. M. Grover, 
1856 Peter Pearce, Rich. E. Birdsall. Edward Patterson. 
1857, Henry Fowlds, 1863, P. M. Grover, 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE IN ASPHODEL. 

Richard Birdsall. Walter Scott, Thomas Buck, 

James Foley, James Fife, Robert D. Ewing, 

P. M. Grover, Timothy Coughlin, Richard E. Birdsall. 

Henry Fowlds, Patrick Cannon, 



167 

LOCAL SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 

1844, Henry Fowlds, 1855, Rev. John Hilton,1861, Dr. T. W. Poole, 

Next 7 years County 1856, Dr. T. W. Poole, 1862, Dr. T. W. Poole, 

Superintendents. 1857, Dr. T. W. Poole, 1863, Dr. T. W. Poole, 

1852, Rev. T. Searight, 1858, Dr. T. W. Poole, 1864, RevM. A. Farrar, 

1853, Thos. Robertson, 1859, Dr. T. W. Poole, 1865, Rev M. A. Farrar, 

1854, Thus. Robertson, 1860, Dr. T. W. Poole, 1866, RevM. A. Farrar. 

Post Offices. — There are three Post Offices in Asphodel: namely, at 
Norwood, Hastings and Westwood, — the two former having a daily mail, 
supplied by stage from Colhorne, since the year 1863 ; and the latter a tri- 
weekly mail from Peterborough by way of Keenc, and connecting with 
Norwood. 

A reference has already been made to the early Post-masters. The 
following are the present officers : — 

Norwood, — J. A. Butterfield ; Hastings, — James S. Fowlds ; 
Westwood, — Rev. M. A. Farrar. 



CHAPTER XXV 



THE TOWNSHIP OF DUMMER. 

The township of Duumier was surveyed in the year 1823, but no at- 
tempt was made towards its settlement until 1831. In the summer of 
that year, a number of emigrants arrived at Quebec, "150 of whom were 
persons sent out by the Marquis of Bath, 1 00 were commuted pensioners, 
and their families, and 1700 were immigrants who had come to the Pro- 
vince at their own charge,'"* They consisted of no distinct nationality, 
but were made up of persons from nearly every part of the United King- 
dom. On landing, they were taken in charge by Immigration Agente 
appointed by Sir John Colborne, and forwarded from one halting place to 
another till they reached Peterborough, where Capt. Rubidge, R. N., who 
then acted as Immigration Agent, took prompt and energetic steps to locate 

* Statement of Captain Rubidge, R. N.. to Sir R. YV. Horton. Bart. ; and published by him in his 
pamphlet, entitled ' : Ireland and Canada." — page 43, 



168 

them on lands not yet occupied. A goodly number were located in Dum- 
mer ; forming the first settlements in that township, while the remainder 
were distributed over the unoccupied lands in the older townships, east and 
west of Peterborough. 

The mode of location was as follows. Guides were sent out with them 
in groups to examine the lands, and on the selection being made, a location 
ticket was issued by the Agent, entitling the possessor to 100 acres of land 
on the fulfillment of certain conditions in after years. A small sum of 
money, varying from one dollar and a half to three or four dollars, was 
then given to the immigrant, and by means of this, sometimes aided. by 
the older settlers in adjoining townships, a shanty was erected on the land 
chosen, to which he was removed as speedily as possible with his family 
and effects. Grants of 100 acres were thus made to heads of families and 
grown-up sons, on condition that after the expiration of four years, an 
annual payment of one shilling per acre, would be made during each of the 
second four years, — thus at the end of eight years actual settlement, and 
the payment in all of $80, they would receive a full title to their land. 
The Government, however, were very lenient, and the full payment, at 
least within the specified time, was not usually exacted. 

During their passage through the country and the period of their loca- 
tion, rations, consisting of half a pound of pork and a pound and a half of 
flour, to each man, and a pound of flour, but no pork, to the women and 
children over five years of age, were supplied by the Agent, which, together 
with the other expenses incurred, were paid by the Provincial Government. 
The supplies thus granted were considerably less than to the immigrants 
of 1825, but even this moderate and necessary aid to families locating in 
the interior of a new country, where provisions could not be found, was 
somewhat suddenly and prematurely withdrawn, causing in some instances 
temporary distress ; which, however, the energy and industry of the settlers 
enabled them ere long to surmount. Between the 17th day of May and 
the 29th day of September, 1831, 87,390 pounds of flour, 24,608 pounds 
of pork, and 366 axes, were thus distributed, partly to the men employed 
as guides, builders of shanties, &c, but in chief part to such of the immi- 
grant families as choose to accept this kind of aid. None of the other 
supplies, consisting of a cow, domestic utensils, &c, granted to the previous 
immigrants were allotted to these, and yet their progress was equally rapid, 
and their ultimate success perhaps greater than that of their predecessors. 



169 

There, were, however, many of these first settlers whose ill-fortune it was 
to locate on land of inferior quality, and these, after struggling against the 
difficulties of their situation for a few years, in many instances, threw up 
their claims or sold out to speculators for trifling sums, and removed to 
other townships or more favored scenes. Some struggled on, amid a 
stoney soil, and by persevering industry have made themselves comfortable 
homes, and they or their children now reap to some extent the advantages 
of their toilsome labors. 

The office of Immigrant Agent, at that time, was no idle sinecure. No 
previous preparation for the reception of immigrants had been made, either 
in 1825 or in 1831. Temporary shelter had to be provided in Peterbo- 
rough; the sick cared for, roads cut, shanties erected, provisions supplied, 
&c, on the spur of the moment. The consequence was, that greater ex- 
pense was incurred than would otherwise have been necessary, and the 
immigrants themselves, enfeebled from their long voyage, suffered from 
sickness and fatigue that might to some extent have been avoided. 

Captain Eubidge speaks in the highest terms of these settlers. He 
says, " The conduct of the immigrants located by me in 1831, was in 
general most exemplary ; and I never observed a stronger desire to take 
advantage by their industry of the kind encouragement afforded them by 
the Government. They invariably vied with each other in their exertions, 
and this will always be the case where provisions are not lavishly or improp- 
erly supplied, and the population well mixed, as it was of that year ; for 
then the sluggard who would not be shamed by greater energy on the part 
of a countryman is roused from his indolence by a national feeling of pride 
to keep pace with his English, Irish or Scotch neighbor.''* 

The settlers of 1831, in Dummer, were not long without accessions to 
their numbers. From one of the earliest of those to join them, — a man 
highly respected for his honesty and intelligence, — we have obtained the 
following particulars of the experiences of himself and two others in their 

first attempt at actual settlement. Their names were Thomas R , 

William A , and John P . By means of a private Emigration 

Society in Glasgow, they obtained a. grant of 50 acres of wild land, with 
privilege to purchase the remaining 50 acres of the 100 at a fixed sum. 



* For the facts of the preceding- paragraphs see Capt. Knbidge's evidence before a ?ielect commit lee 
of ihe Imperial Parliament on colonization from Ireland, 1847. Page 27» io 237. 



170 

Arrived in Peterborough, they determined to proceed at once to the land 
allotted them in Dummer. Having made a partial exploration of the 
township, in connection with others, and learned how to read the intelli- 
gence conveyed by surveyors' lines and posts, they hoped, from this data, 
on a second attempt, laden with provisions, to reach their new . estates, as 
yet enshrouded in all the wildness of nature, and at a distance, as the crow 
flies, of nearly twenty miles from Peterborough. 

Early in the spring of 1832, they set out with this object; each man 
being pretty heavily loaded. One carried 40 pounds of pork, the second 
GO pounds of flour, and the third, a blanket for each, and a tin can .filled 
with whiskey, as a medicinal cordial in the bush. Each had besides his 
axe, a tinder box, and a few minor personal effects. Their route lay for 
the most part through the wild woods, frequently entangled with fallen 
timber, over hills and through swamps, still adhering to the surveyor's 
line, but faintly marked, and every year becoming more obliterated from 
the rapid growth of vegetation. Sometimes they crept over the fallen 
trunks or branches of trees, at others they crawled under these obstruc- 
tions. Their clothing not im frequently caught upon the projecting knots, 
and in this way the fustian trowsers of one of them became torn into 
shreds. The most notable accident of this kind occurred while scaling a 
horny trunk, some distance from the ground, when, their owner, as if con- 
gratulating himself on escaping the greater of two evils, exclaimed, 
"We'el, its a gude thing that breeks will tear, or I wad be strung up be 
times.'' 

Unused to traversing the uneven surface of the bush, their toes coming 
in contact with the matted roots, caused them not unfrequently to stumBle 
or to fall, and on one of these occasions the contents of the tin can, the 
object, of course, of especial care, became spilled, and to their grief and 
vexation was poured out a copious libation on the ground. Thirteen miles 
further on the lid of the can was lost, and seven years later, at a logging 
bee. was picked up "as good as new," and instantly recognised by one of 
the trio who related the circumstances attending its loss, to the no small 
surprise of those present. 

Towards the evening of the first day one of their number fell sick. 
They kindled a fire at the base of a large cedar tree, and within the influ- 
ence of its genial warmth, prepared a rude shelter for themselves with 
boughp and small trees, grouped together over head, Unarmed, and with' 



171 

out a weapon of any kind, they committed themselves to the care of Prov- 
idence, and, rolled up each in his blanket, with feet towards the fire, they 
lay down and slept. During the night the fire penetrated to the hollow 
centre of the cedar, and when their slumber was most profound, it fell 
with a crash against the neighboring trees, bearing some of these with it 
to the ground. The sudden noise, in the solitude of the forest, and in the 
dead of night, was appaling ; and they fled terrified from the spot, till the 
cause of the danger from which they had fortunately escaped became ap- 
parent. It was afterwards remembered that the sick man had proved as 
fleet of foot as his companions ; and next morning he was able to resume 
the journey, and made no further complaints of illness. 

The next day the sky was overcast, and unaided by the direction of the 
sun, they missed their way, and wandered on at random, more than once 
returning upon their previous steps. At night they camped out in doubt 
and uncertainty ; but the fatigue of both body and mind caused them to 
sleep soundly. Next morning they partook of breakfast from their slender 
stores, fully realizing the danger of their position. John said prayers, in- 
voking the Divine protection and guidance. A consultation was held, and 
it was decided that Thomas 11 and William would beat about, en- 
deavoring to find their true bearing, while John would remain at the 
camping place, and endeavor to repair his torn garment, which now threat- 
ened speedily to become a total wreck. Accordingly, they sallied forth, 
breaking twigs and marking trees, so as to ensure the possibility of their 
return. Ere long, they struck upon the surveyor's post, and found they 
were nearer their location than they had expected ; and returning, all 
three pushed forward, and ere long they stood upon the soil which they 
could call their own. A thrill of joy shot through each. Their fatigues 
were forgotten ; their spirits became buoyant ; and feeling rich in the 
possession of so much land, they were happy in the present and indulged 
in joyous anticipations for the future. 

The first thing done was to select a nice and suitable site on which to 
erect a shanty for their joint use, until separate dwellings could be erected 
for each. The underbrush was chopped down, and the nearest trees of 
moderate growth were selected for the walls of a shanty 12 by 16 feet in 
size. They determined to do their work artistically. The corners of the 
shanty, formed by the ends of the logs, must be made to fit accurately, and 
with mathematical precision. This was a work of art for which the 

23* 



172 

mechanical powers of Thomas K— alone wore adequate, and to him it w.is 
consequently left. The result was that the shanty which might have been 
built in a substantial manner in three or four days, occupied a fortnight, 
and ere it was finished, the slender stock of provisions became exhausted, 
and more had to be procured. 

Keeler's mill, at Norwood, a small structure, with a single run of com- 
mon stones, had then been several years in operation. There was nothing 
to guide them towards it, but an idea of the general direction in which it 
lay, in following which the sun was their only compass. They started in 
the morning, and although in a straight line, Keeler's mill was only six 
miles distant, they travelled all day endeavoring to trace the route by 
means of surveyors' posts, but without success. Fortunately, they had 
"blazed" their way, and were able to return at night to their unfinished 
shanty. Next morning, the last of the provisions was consumed, and they 
again set iorth, if possible, to find the mill. The had breakfasted on a 
bone of pork, a little tea and no bread. During the day, they frequently 
saw the red berries of the high-bush cranberry, (viburnum opulus) which 
remains on the trees during the winter, but they feared to touch them lest 
they might be poisonous. They wandered on faint and weary during the 
greater part of the day, and at length, towards evening, the welcome sound 
of an axe was heard, and presently they came on the tiny clearing of one of 
the settlers of the previous. year. W. P. was chopping brush, which his 
wife was piling in heaps in order to facilitate its burning. They too were 
scarce of provisions ; and the wanderers, while sheltered for the night, of 
necessity dispensed with their evening, as they had already done with the 
mid-day meal. Next morning, a little flour was baked and divided among 
them. After all their wanderings, they were not more than three miles 
from their own location, and had two miles still to traverse before reaching 
the mill. Having received some directions, they again set out, but after 

surmountiug a hill, Thomas E, became faint and sick, and asked to 

be left there to die. At length they reached the house of another settler, 
where some further food was procured, by means of which they reached the 
mill. Only two other persons besides the miller and his family, whose name 
was Lang, then resided where the village of Norwood now stands. The mill 
was idle, and neither wheat nor flour could be procured. Learning that a 
farmer named Hurley, a couple of miles distant, had wheat to sell, they 
proceeded thither. Wheat there was in the sheaf, but it must be threshed 



17-3 

by them if they wanted it. Here was a new and unexpected task, but 
they set to work with a will ; and next day bore away what wheat they 
could carry. After waiting three days they got it ground. 

Hospitality is a virtue never wanting in the early settlers. While wait- 
ing the motion of the tardy mill, they were kindly received by W. W 

and amply entertained. At length, on Sunday morning, the mill was 
found at work, and ere night they had returned to their wild home with 
their store of flour. 

The female reader would like to know how they baked their bread ; and 
in anticipation of the enquiry, our informant has supplied the process. A 
portion of the trunk of a basswood tree, about three feet long and two 
feet in diameter, was split in two halves through the centre. One of 
these was hollowed out as smoothly as possible, to be used as a kneading 
trough. About three pounds of flour, with water enough to wet it tho- 
roughly, was put into this, and well kneaded. It was then flattened out 
and placed in a round long-handled pan, the front of which was held before 
the fire by means of a string attached to the end of the handle ; while 
live coals were placed beneath and behind it. Before the completion of 
the shanty, wet weather came on, which materially affected this process. 
It was then found preferable to roll up the wet flour in lumps, about the 
size of a potato. These were put in holes scraped in the hot ashes, and 
covered also with hot ashes and then coals, so as to cause them to bake 
without being burned. This was found more palatable than that baked 
in the pan, and in the absence of better w T as highly esteemed. 

At length, the shanty was completed. The roof consisted of a double 
row of basswood troughs, familiar enough to most of our readers, but puz- 
zhug perhaps to a foreigner. To make them, the trunk of a basswood 
tree, cut to the proper length, (perhaps fourteen or sixteen feet) is split 
in two halves, as nearly equal as possible. These are then hollowed out 
the entire length ; and when a sufficient number are ready, they are placed 
in position. The first row is placed side by side with the concavity upper- 
most. The second is then turned down over the proximate edges of two 
of the first, thus forming a roof impervious to water. The front wall is 
usually a few feet higher than that in the rear for obvious reasons. Such 
is still the form of house first erected by most new settlers, which in many 
instances, by tidy hands, is rendered cosy and snug, and has often shel- 
tered more real happiness and domestic comfort than the more imposing 



174 

mansions of eucceeding year,8. To many of our readers so minute a de- 
scription of what to them has long been familiar, may seem unnecessary ; 
but this much was intended for the uninitiated, and in a work of this kind 
could not well be overlooked. 

The roof being completed, flat stones were introduced for a hearth, and 
were also placed on edge against the wall to protect the green timber from 
the action of the fire. Such was the fire-place. During the summer 
months, no chimney was erected, — the smoke being allowed to find an 
outlet through the crevices in the unplastered walls, as best it could. A 
bed was constructed by driving small poles of a proper length into the 
wall, at a proper height, the outer ends being supported by perpendicular 
posts. Small saplings were then stretched from one of these horizontal 
supports to the other, on which were placed boughs of hemlock and cedar, 
as a substitute for feathers or straw. At night the stars were visible 
through the crevices of the shanty ; in the morning the birds sang sweetly 
in the adjacent trees, and though their couch was hard and their fare sim- 
ple, fatigued by labor and invigorated by the air and the novelty of their 
situation, they slept soundly, and rose betimes to renew their labor. 
There, in the depths of the forest, they were provided with no gun or 
other weapon of defeuce. Bears were not unfrequently tracked, and the 
howling of the wolves by night was so frequent as to become familiar. 
Doubtless the smell of meat attracted these hungry and ferocious 
brutes, but the human invaders of their solitary domain remained 
unmolested. 

Soon after their second stock of flour was procured, they were visited 
by two strangers, — intending settlers, — one of whom was a blacksmith. 
It that remote place human faces were as welcome as they were rare, and 
the travellers were cordially entertained, and warmly welcomed to a share 
of their slender store. The new arrivals expressed considerable dread at 
remaining long with them in the absence of fire-arms ; and the blacksmith, 
on retiring for the night, placed the fire-shovel within easy reach, as the 
only available weapon in case of an attack from the wild denizens of the 
woods. 

During the first few years they had neither oxen nor horses, and on 
chopping down the trees, had to roll the trunks together by what was called 
hand-logging, in the best manner they could. 



175 

Had their land proved good, their labor and industry would have been 
fully rewarded ; but though finely timbered, the surface soil concealed a 
bed of stones, which almost their first attempts at culture made apparent, 
and on account of which, ere many years, they felt it prudent to part, for 
a trifling sum, with the new estates, on which so much valuable time and 
labor had been wasted, and in reference to which such bright anticipations 
had been at one time indulged. 

Notwithstanding this reverse, they did not despair, but on the contrary, 
on other lands or in pursuit of other occupations, they have ensured suc- 
cess ; and are to-day among the most contented and prosperous of our 
people. Wives and children, lands and houses, flocks and herds, have 
blessed their store, and while they often look back with a smile at those 
early days in the bush, and review their first blunders in the light of their 
after experience, no shadow of regret is felt at having chosen Canada 
as their home, or the rude wilds of Dummer as their first resting 
place. 

Notwithstanding the long distance of parts of this township from Peter- 
borough, from which most of the early settlers had to carry their provisions 
and other necessaries on their backs, and other local disadvantages, the 
settlers of Dummer made encouraging progress, and ere many years, the 
increase of their worldly store, and their farm improvements and domestic 
comforts, would compare favorably with those of some of the older 
townships. 

About the year 1834-5, a saw and grist mill were erected on the Indian 
river, at what is now the village of Warsaw. These were the property of 
the Hon. Zaccheus Burnham, and were under the local superintendence of 
Mr. Hartwell, who resided at the mills, and who conducted the first store 
there, and who as late as the year 1844 was appointed first Local Superin- 
tendent of Schools for the township. These mills, of course, proved a 
great advantage to the surrounding settlement, and formed the nucleus 
of the small village which has since grown up around them. 

Just before the outbreak of 1837, the militia of this township was 
organized under instructions from the Government, through Col. Brown, 
whose son was named Captain of the Dummer company, but never acted 
in that capacity. On the muster of the Dummer militia in Peterborough. 
S. J. Carver, Esq., our present Post-master, was appointed Captain 
of the Dummer company, and accompanied them to Toronto m. that 
capacity. 



176 

The Duomner militia turned out on two separate occasions during the 
excitement consequent upon the rebellion. First at the breaking out of 
the Yonge Street fiasco, on which occasion six officers and 35 privates 
from Dummer went as far as Port Hope, and then finding their services 
no longer needed, they returned to their homes. The officers from 
Dummer on this occasion were, Ensign Robert Wigmore, Sergeant-Majors 
Sampson Luke} T and John Lumsden ; Sergeant James Wason, and Corpo- 
rals William Wigmore and William Handbige. The list of the privates 
on this turn out has been mislaid or lost.* 

On the second call to arms, which took place on the 8th of January. 
1838, the Dummer militia again mustered, and a considerable number 
proceeded to Toronto. The following are the names of the officers and 
men who thus distinguished themselves : — 

Ensign Robert Wigmore, Sergeant Major John Lumsden, 2nd Sergeant 
Major William Wigmore, and Sergeants, James Wason, Robert Sloan. 
Hugh Moore, Charles Murphy, Joseph Pegg. 

Privates, — Kenneth Kempt, John Robb. Thomas Robinson, William 
Anderson, Patrick Cassidy, Thomas Cassidy, John McMillen, Frederick 
Oxford, Henry Ferguson, John Kelly, George Sampson, Bernard McCaun, 
John Clydesdale, John Kidd, William Christie, Daniel Murphy. William 
Davis, Edward Johns, John Hendron, Thomas Hendron, Jr., Hugh Mc- 
intosh, Philip McGuire, James Bullock, Frederick Edwards, David Payne, 
William Thomas, William McFadden, Edward Payne, — Mulcahey, 
George Lumsden, Samuel Lumsden, Richard Manly. Charles Bissett, and 
William' Archer. 

On their arrival at Toronto, Sergeant Joseph Pegg was appointed Ser- 
geant-Major, and "Sergeant Hugh Moore 2nd Sergeant-Major in the 
"Queen's Own."' Private William Davis was appointed drum-major. 

On the return of these men to their homes, many of them were disap- 
pointed at finding that from some cause their pay was not forthcoming ; 
and a lengthy correspondence was held by the late Col. Robert Wigmore 
with the militia authorities on the subject, but without any very satisfac- 
tory results. In a chapter specially devoted to the " Peterboro' Militia'" 
enough has been said, it is hoped, and a sufficient, tribute paid to the brave 

* The name* mentioned and those which follow were fin-niched us by the late Col. Robert \\ "i^- 
nrjdre s Few days before hi* decease. 



177 

men of that period, woo at great personal inconvenience and no small risk 
to their families, and greater risk, prospectively, to themselves, rallied in 
defence of the Government, and in maintenance of that British connec- 
tion which is still dear to those of them who survive, and no less so to 
their children, who have proved themselves not a whit behind their sires 
in loyalty and devotion to the old flag, and in courage and prowess in 
rallying to its defence when more recently assailed. 

One circumstance is worthy of mention as an illustration of the hearti- 
ness and alacrity with which the call to arms was responded to in the by- 
gone but not forgotten crisis of 1837. An old pensioner, long past age 
for military service, came to Francis Crow Esq., during the muster, and 
thus expressed himself: — "Gonz-a-day, Francy, I'm going too." Mr. 
Crow remonstrated with him on account of his age and infirmities, and 
urged him to remain at home, but in vain. "Begonnes," said the old sol- 
dier, "the Nankees (Yankees) wounded me at New Orleans, and I'll never 
die until I have a shot at them," and the veteran proceeded with the rest 
to Peterborough. 

The first resident clergyman in Dummer was the Rev. Archibald Col- 
quhoun, who removed thither from Otonabee about the year 1838 or 1839- 
Service for some years was held in Mr. James McDonnell's house. An 
Episcopal church was the first erected in Warsaw, about the year 1855. 
A Free Presbyterian church was erected about two years later. A house 
was erected for a church in school section number four, in 1834, and 
made use of as a school house in 1842. Methodist churches were erected 
on lot number 21 in the third concession in 1850, and on lot number 26 
in the fourth concession in 1852. The first Methodist minister was the 
Rev. John Blackstock, and the first Bible Christian clergyman in Dummer 
was the Rev. John Hicks Eynon, who is also remembered as a pioneer of 
that society in Peterborough. A Bible Christian church was among the 
other public buildings erected many years ago. 

One of the first school houses was that erected near Mr. John Kidd's, 
about the year 183G, of which Mr. Charles Murphy was teacher. Miss 
Jane Batton is also remembered as another early teacher. 

The Dummer Town Hall was erected on its present site about the year 
1855, and a Free Presbyterian church in its vicinity about the year 1861. 
A Methodist church was erected at South Dummer, (as the Post Office in 
the neighborhood is called) at an early period, and a neat Baptist church on 

24 



178 

the same concession Hue, but a little further north, both of which have 
proved & great accommodation to the worshippers in the adjoining section 
of country. In the vicinity of the latter a neat and commodious 
Orange hall was erected within a few years, in which the numerous 
members of the Order in the vicinity hold their customary meetings. 

Bummer has several saw mills besides those at Warsaw, that of Mr. 
Payne on the Indian river, above Warsaw, and the one known as Mr. 
Ritchie's on the west branch of the Ouse, having been built about the 
year 1853, and that of Mr. Enoch Reynolds, now owned by Mr. Thomas 
Buck, some years earlier. 

It should be stated that although diligent enquiry has been made, the 
dates in regard to important buildings in Dummer have been ascertained 
with much difficulty, and in several instances it is feared they are only 
approximations to the years in which the several erections occurred. 

Dummer had the honor of furnishing a Warden to the District Council 
in the person of George Arundel Hill Esq., who was appointed to that posi- 
tion by the Government, and for several years presided over the deliberations 
of that body. Mr. Hill also acted as township Clerk and Treasurer, and 
Local Superintendent of Schools for Dummer for several years ; the duties of 
which offices he performed with rare ability and with scrupulous care and 
precision. In several respects he was a remarkable man, and it is with 
regret that we find ourselves unable to do but scant justice to the; memory 
of a private gentleman and a public officer who, during^the many years he 
was associated with the public affairs of his township and county, was 
highly esteemed by the community in which he lived. 

Soon after his location in Dummer, the late Captain Hill wrote "A 
Guide to Emigrants from the British shores to the Woods of Canada,"' 
which was published in neat pamphlet form of 56 pages, in Dublin, in 
1834. This little work contained much useful information to Emigrants 
in regard to preparations for their passage, and the mode of locating in 
the newly . settled districts of Canada. It was evidently written with 
much care, and bears ample traces of a cultivated and intelligent mind. 

In the year 1835, Dummer contained a population of 693. In 1842, it 
had increased to 927. In 1852, the assessed value of the entire property 
was $118,835 ; and the total taxation $316.63. By way of comparison, 
it may be stated that in 1866, the total number of ratepayers was 370 ; the 



171> 



a&sc^scd value of property SI 2863(5, and the taxes levied on this township 
for county rate alone, $1406.16. It has before been remarked that asses- 
sed values, convey no adequate idea of the real wealth of township prop- 
erty ; as the fluctuations under the manipulations of successive Assessors 
show differences in value, the result of the ideas in regard to assessment 
which happen to be at the time paramount. 

At the taking of the last census, in 1861, the entire population of Dum- 
mer was 1757. Of these 91-1 were males and 8-13 females. There 
were in I860. 13 deaths and 65 births. 472 children were attending 
school. 

Looking at the census by origin for 1861, we find, from Ireland 292, 
England 146, Scotland 90, United States 46, Upper Canada 974, Lower 
Canada 21, other countries 5. 

As regards religion, there were in 1861, Church of England 392, K. 
Catholic 181, W. Methodist 395, E. Methodist 41, Bible Christian 191, 
Free Church 274, Church of Scotland 146, Baptists 87, other churches 
50. 

DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS. 

District Councillors. 

1842, Alexander Kidd, 1845, Thomas Choate, 1848, Wm. Wigmore, 

1843, Alexander Kidd, 1846, Thomas Choate, 1849, Wm. Wigmore. 

1844, Thomas Choate. 1847, Wm. Wigmore, 

County Councillors. 

1856, Francis Crow. 

1857, Francis Crow. 

1858, Francis Crow. 

1859, Wm. Wigmore. 

1860, Francis Crow. 

1861, Wm. Wigmore. 



1850, Francis Crow. 

1851, Francis Crow. 

1852, Francis Crow. 

1853, Francis Crow. 

1854, Francis Crow. 

1855, Francis Crow. 



1862, Francis Crow. 

1863, Francis Crow. 

1864, Kobert Morrison. 

1865, George Choate. 

1866, John Kidd. 



Thomas Choate. 
Sampson Lukey. 
Francis Crow. 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE IN DUMMER. 

John Kidd. John Rose. 

Wm. Wigmore. 
Wm. Manley. 
24* 



180 

LOCAL SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 

1844, E. Hartwell. 1855, George A. Hill. 1861, George A. Hill. 

Next 7 years County 1856, George A. Hill. 1862, Dr. T. W. Poole. 

Superintendent*. 1857, George A. Hill. 1863, Dr. T. W. Poole. 

1852, Rev. T. Scaright. 1858, George A. Hill. 1864, Rev M. A. Farrar. 

1853, William Manly. 1859, George A. Hill. 1865, Rev M. A. Farrar. 

1854, William Manly. 1860, George A. Hill. 1866 ; Rev M. A. Farrar. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



THE TOWNSHIPS OF BELMONT AND METHUEN. 

The survey of the township of Belmont was made in 1853, but it was 
not for several years afterwards that settlers found their way into it. The 
first actual resident was a Mr. Fiddick, who removed there with his 
family, but was so alarmed by the howling of wolves that he soon withdrew 
to reside in the vicinity of the settlement forming around Keeler's 
mill. The first settler to whom a patent for land was issued was Mr. 
Robert Stewart, familiarly known among his neighbours as " the king of 
Belmont." 

For many years the roads leading into Belmont were of the most prim- 
itive description ; and great hardship and inconvenience were experienced 
by the first settlers in the transit, first of their slender store of worldly goods 
and afterwards in making their way to the mill and returning with the sup- 
plies necessary for themselves and families. 

Since the inauguration of our municipal system, and especially since 
Belmont became a separate corporation, large sums of money have been 
expended for the improvement of roads. The abundance of gravel has 
offered great facilities for this purpose, and the large income from taxes on 
non-resident lands has provided funds, which have enabled some ex- 
cellent lines of road to be made without greatly burdening the residents of 
the township. 

In several respects, Belmont has made rapid progress. In 1842, the 
number of its householders was 33. In 1852 these had increased to 41, 



181 

while in 1866 they numbered 185. A still more striking mark of progress 
is shewn in the rapid increase of school houses, mostly of a superior kind. 
Twelve years ago, there were but one or two in the entire township ; now 
there are nine, and six of these are frame buildings well finished, thorough- 
ly furnished, and numerously attended. 

The first saw mill in Belmont was built by Mr. Jchiel Brekenridge, on 
the site of the one now owned by P. Pearce, Esq. This was burned 
down, and the present oue built by Mr. Pearce, who has added to it a 
small grist mill, the first established in the municipality. Mr. Breken- 
ridge also built a saw mill and small grist mill, at a splendid water-power, 
just where the stream which emerges from Round lake empties into Bel- 
mont lake. There are two other saw mills besides these mentioned, one 
known as that erected by the Rev. Thomas Searight, and the other that 
of Mr. Holbrooks in the south portion of the township. 

Within a few years the "Havelock" Post Office was opened in Belmont, 
of which P. Pearce, Esq., was appointed Post-master. The office is kept 
at his residence on the Marmora road. A second Post Office has since 
been established, still further in the interior of the township. 

The farmers of Belmont have no reason to complain of want of success 
in agriculture. Many of them have succeeded admirably. But the chief 
wealth of the township — especially of the northern portion — consists in its 
minerals. € In the eastern portion, iron ore is found in large abundance, 
and of excellent quality. Recently, extensive deposits of a pure white 
marble have been brought to light in its northern section, both of which, 
need but capital and enterprise, joined with some means of transit to the 
frontier, to render them richly productive, and the " working" of them in 
the highest degree conducive to the prosperity of the township. 

We pause not to dwell upon the further incidents connected with the 
settlement of this township, few of which have been detailed to us, and the 
early experiences of the first pioneers are more or less similar to those 
already narrated in reference to other townships. 

Belmont has had the honor of twice furnishing a Warden for the county, 
in the person of P. Pearce, Esq., for the years 1863 and 1864. Mr. 
Pearce is now one of the oldest councillors in the county ; and for many 
years has taken a prominent part in municipal business. 



182 

METHUEN. 

Methuen was surveyed in 1823, but till within the last nine years re- 
mained without a settler. One of the first to push his way into the town- 
ship was Mr. John Vansickler, about the year 1857. The little settle- 
ment then formed has increased, till, in the year 1866, the number of 
ratepayers in Methuen was 22, and the total assessed value of property, 
$3291. Methuen is still united to Belmont for municipal purposes. 

The population of Belmont and Methuen in 1861 was 689. Of these 
108 persons were from Ireland, 15 from England, 34 from Scotland, 12 
from the United States, 516 from Upper Canada, and 3 from Lower 
Canada. 

In a religious point of view there were in 1861, Church of England 132, 
R. Catholic 21, W. Methodist 264, E. Methodist 4, Free Church 199, 
Church of Scotland 48, Baptist 6, others 12. 

DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS. 

District Councillors. 

1843, N. C. Beattie. 1846, John Robertson. 1849, Thos. McBurney. 

1844, N. C. Beattie. 1847, John Robertson. 

1845, N. C. Beattie. 1848, John Robertson. 

County Councillors. 

Mem. — -From 1849 until the close of the year 1854, these townships 
were united to Asphodel for municipal purposes. 

1855, William Rae, 1859, John Matheson. 1863, Peter Pearce. 

1856, William Rae. 1860, John Matheson. 1864, Peter Pearce. 

1857, Robert Preston. 1861, John Matheson. 1865, Peter Pearce. 

1858, Thomas Searight. 1862, John Matheson. 1866, Peter Pearce. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE IN BELMONT. 

Peter Pearce. . John H. Preston, 

Robert Preston. John Holcomb. 

LOCAL SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 

3844, N. C. Beattie. 1856, Dr. T. W. Poole. 1862, Rev. Jas. Bowie. 
County Superintendents.1857, Dr. T. W. Poole. 1863, Rev. Jas. Bowie. 

1852, Rev. T. Searight. 1858, Dr. T. W. Poole. 1864, W. N. Armstrong, 

1853, Thos. Robertson. 1859, Rev. H. McDowell 1865, Rev M. A. Farrar. 

1854, Thos. Robertson. 1860, Rev. Jas. Bowie. 1866, RevM. A. Farrar. 

1855, Rev. T. Searight. 1861, Rev. Jas. Bowie. 



183 
CHAPTER XXVII. 



THE TOWNSHIP OF NORTH MONAGHAN. 

That portion of the township of Monaghan comprised within the Coun- 
ty of Peterborough, is the rear seven concessions, and is usually known as 
North Monaghan. As seen on the map. it may be said to be triangular in 
shape, with the apex downwards, or towards the south. It is bounded on 
the north by the township of Smith, on the west by Cavan, and on the 
east by the Otonabee river. The Millbrook and Peterborough branch of 
the Port Hope and Lindsay railroad traverses the triangle from its south- 
ern angle, running parallel with the river to the north-eastern corner, in 
which the Town of Peterborough is situated. This town, prior to its 
incorporation in 1850, formed a part of the municipality of North Mona- 
ghan. Until that date, the population and general statistics of the town 
are blended with those of the township, so that neither can be stated in- 
dependently of the other. 

The township of Monaghan was surveyed in 1818. The earliest set- 
tlers found their way into its northern portion in 1818 and 1819. Among 
them were Messrs. William Fowler, Robert Morrison, Robert Thompson, 
John Tully, William Birdwhistle, Thomas and Robert Leadbeater, Rich- 
ard Alexander, Robert Cross, John Foster, James Wilson, Matthew 
Wilson, William Wilson, Wilford Drysdale, John Birney and Thomas 
Spiers. 

The difficulties which many of them had to encounter were similar to 
to those already mentioned in regard to those in the township of Smith. 
Provisions and utensils had to be carried from Port Hope, in the absence 
of a road, mostly on the settler's shoulders, or as best they could, for 
several years. 

The first of these settlers found their way in singly, or in groups of two 
or three, roamed through the continuous forest, till having selected a lot 
of land which appeared to please them, and learning the number and con- 
cession from the recently marked posts of the surveyors, they returned to 
make the needful application to the Land Agent, in order to secure it. 
During this first exploration visit, one or more nights had to be spent in 
the forest, where, having kindled a fire, they lay down to sleep beneath the 
branches of a group of trees, wearied and fatigued, and worse, perhaps, 
wet and torn with the mishaps of the journey. 



184 

Gradually the blue smoke from the settler's shanty, and the tiny open- 
ing in the great forest, began to appear here and there, at intervals, often 
of miles between. But the number of the shanty fires gradually increased ; 
the gaps in the woods grew larger, as giant trunk and tender sapling 
groaned and fell beneath the sturdy stroke of the settler's axe. Then the 
huge heaps appeared, rolled together by united effort. The flames crack- 
led and roared. Far away into the gloom of the dark forest shot the 
gleam of the evening fires, which told that a conqueror had come, and that 
civilization and the luxuries of comfort and refinement were on the way to 
cheer and enliven those rude fastnesses of nature, and bid them smile with 
a new growth and a more prolific harvest. Gradually the cleared lands 
widened and increased into snug farms. The road-way was hewn out, and 
made suitable for travel. The first rude shanty gave way to a substantial 
and comfortable mansion. Flocks and herds increased ; and as time pro- 
gressed and the population grew, the rude wilderness became a compara- 
tive garden. 

Well may the veteran pioneer pause now in the evening of his days and 
look around on the wonders wrought by time and industry. Proudly may 
he point to the spot where he first reclined beneath the spreading trees, 
wet with the morning dew, during that first visit to his future farm, and 
contrast with that scene the present, with its broad acres and cultivated 
fields, its neat farm houses and thriftly barns, which he expects soon to 
leave a rich heritage to his children. Well will it be for the second gene- 
ration if they emulate the thrift and industry of their sires, and continue 
in the paths of honorable toil and healthful and happy labor, which have 
already led to such noble results, and which may lead to still greater tri- 
umphs in the future. 

u Peace hath her victories. 

Not less renowned than war." 

And there is ample room for the employment of vast energies, consummate 
skill, and remunerative outlay, in still further subduing the soil, elimina- 
ting its forces, reclaiming its waste but luxuriant places, and making 
it subservient in the highest degree to the wants and the luxuries of 
man. 

Let not this useful work be deemed degrading. It presents a field 
worthy of the foremost spirits, — a career among the most ennobling, and 
certainly the most independent. What our fathers have so well begun, 



185 

should be pushed forward to still higher results by us their children ; or 
else the mantle of honor and the meed of praise which they have earned 
for good and noble work, well accomplished, will be buried with them, or 
will pass by their degenerate sons to the stranger and the alien, to whom 
will pass the fruits of their toil and the heritage they have achieved, 

This township is traversed by an excellent gravel road, built in 1850 ; 
which, if it has never yielded much return to the stockholders, has been of 
great advantage to the section of country it traverses. The road terminates 
in Peterborough on the north, and stretches away in the direction of Mill- 
brook on the south. 

From its proximity to the town, this township has at all seasons an ex- 
cellent market. This same proximity will account for the paucity of 
churches, shops or places of local business or resort. The village of Spring- 
ville, which of late years has grown into existence, is situated on the town 
line between this township and Cavan, and besides a Post Office, has a 
neat Presbyterian church, erected nearly thirty years ago. A commodious 
town hall, built about the year 1858, serves the purposes of township and 
council meetings, and besides is used for the services of several religious 
denominations. 

The first large instalment of clergy reserve money, after being at first 
invested in loans, was in part divided among the several wards for the 
improvement of roads, and the remainder applied to the erection of 
school houses, — in both cases greatly to the advantage of the people of the 
township. 

In 1852, the number of householders in North Monaghan was returned 
at 100. The total assessed value of property was $143,228, and the total 
rates $300.23. 

In 1866, the number of ratepayers had increased to 269 ; the total 
assessed value of property was $152,929, and the county rate alone, exclu- 
sive of township and school rates, was $809.16. 

At the taking of the last census in 1861, the population of North Mon- 
aghan was set down at 1281. Of these, 651 were males and 630 females. 
There were in 1860, 8 deaths, 30 births, and 247 children attending 
school. 

The census by origin, in 1861, stood as follows: — Ireland 313, England 

125, Scotland 74, United States 15, Upper Canada 718. Lower Canada 

24. other countries 12. 

25 



186 



The census by religion shows, — Church of England 382, R. Catholic 
224, W. Methodist 162, E. Methodist 4, Bible Christian 16, Free church 
422, Church of Scotland 61, Baptist 49, others 15. 



1842, 
1843, 
1844, 
1845, 



.1850, 
1851, 
1852, 
1853, 
1854, 
1855, 



DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS. 

District Councillors. 

Thomas Harper, 1846, Charles Perry. 1848. Robt, Thompson. 
Thomas Harper. Thomas Chambers. Thos. Chambers. 

Thomas Harper. 1847, Charles Perry. 1849, Robt. Thompson. 
Charles Perry. Thomas Chambers. • Thos. Chambers. 

Thomas Chambers. 

County Councillors. 

1856, Thomas Fortye. 

1857, Thomas Fortye. 

1858, Thomas Eyres. 

1859, Thomas Eyres. 

1860, Thomas Eyres. 

1861, Ed. Chamberlin. 



Thomas Fortye. 
Thomas Fortye. 
Thomas Fortye. 
Thomas Fortye. 
Thomas Fortye. 
Thomas Fortye. 



1862, Ed. Chamberlin. 

1863, John Lockie. 

1864, John Gilmour. 

1865, John Gilmour. 

1866, John Gilmour. 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE IN MONAGHAN. 

Thomas Fortye. James Wallis. 

LOCAL SUPERINTENDENTS OP SCHOOLS. 



1844, Hartley Dunsford. 
County Superintendents. 
1852, Thomas Fortye. 



1853, Rev. E. Roberts. 
Until 1866 ditto. 
1866, James Stratton. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 



THE TOWNSHIP OF ENNISMORE. 

The township of Ennismore was surveyed in 1825. Its first settlers 
were a portion of the immigrants of that year, to the number of sixty-seveu 
and their families, consisting in all of 297 souls. During the first year, 



187 

including the journey up from Prescott, there were among these Ennismore 
cottiers nine births and twenty-three deaths. The official returns show 
their first year's produce (that is, from the date of settlement in 1825 to 
November, 1826,) to be 8,900 bushels of potatoes, 3000 bushels of turnips 
and 1042 bushels of Indian corn. Of the 195 acres cleared up to that 
date, 44-^ acres were that fall (1826) sown with fall wheat. They had 
besides made 1 ,330 pounds of maple sugar, and owned among them four 
oxen, nine cows and ten hogs, purchased by themselves. 

So large a result for their first year's labor was creditable to these 
new settlers, most of whom had not the most remote idea of the proper 
means to pursue in clearing and tilling their land. More than one of them 
attempted to burn the timber in the winter as he chopped it, and in the 
spring some of them swept the ground with a besom lest it might not be 
sufficiently clean for the seed about to be sown. For the first year or two 
oxen were very scarce, and instead of harrowing in the grain, it was hoed 
in, as best it could among the stumps. 

The Chemong or Mud lake in front, was a serious obstacle in the way of 
procuring supplies ; for as yet the settlers were too inexperienced to con- 
struct canoes of any service, and consequently the wheat to the mill, and 
the flour on their return, had to be carried on their shoulders round the 
head of the lake. Roads as yet were scarcely thought of; and thus heav- 
ily laden, they followed the "blaze" on the trees, through brush, swamps 
and over fallen timber as best they could. These laborious journeys and 
heavy burdens were not confined to the men, but even the women too, at 
times found it necessary to proceed, laden with grain, to mill or market, and 
in assisting their husbands and providing for their families, performed feats 
of labor and endurance of which in later times we have but a faint con- 
ception. 

Sir Peregrine Maitland visited the new settlement in Ennismore during 
his visit to Peterborough in 1826, accompanied by Col. Talbot, Mr. (after- 
wards Colonel) Alexander McDonell and others. They put up for a short 
time at the shanty of Mr. Eugene McCarthy, father of Jeremiah 
McCarthy, Esq., and partook of such refreshment as the settlement 
afforded. 

During the first ten years, the population of Ennismore rather diminish- 
ed than increased. This was no doubt owing to the fact that many of the 
younger men were obliged to seek in older settlements for employment at 

remunerating wages. 

25* 



18S 

Ennisrnore is but a small township, — it might bo &aid a mere corner of 
Smith, cut off from the remainder by Chemong lake. Three school houses 
supply the educational wants of the inhabitants. It has near its centre a 
Roman Catholic church, erected many years ago. There is also a Post 
Office, of which Mr. Patrick G-allivan was first Postmaster. Its second 
aud present Postmaster is Mr. Thomas Lehauc. 

The soil of Eunismorc is naturally rich and fertile, and notwithstand- 
ing many drawbacks from inexperience and the isolatiou of the township by 
Avatcr, the patient perseverance of the settlers, in a few years overcame the 
first difficulties, and they and their families gradually grew into compara- 
tive wealth and independence. 

Ennismore is situated on the direct route between Peterborough and the 
Bobcaygeon road. Owing to the influx of settlers, and the extensive 
lumbering operations carried on in the new townships bordering on that 
road, during the past few years, it is the thoroughfare for traffic between 
these points, — the bridging of the lakes on either side by the winter's ice, 
affording the necessary facilities for such a transit. Several attempts have 
been made to supply this necessary link of communication by bridging the 
water, and although such a result would be highly beneficial not only to 
Ennismore, but to the trade of Peterborough, all efforts of the kind to 
undertake such a work have hitherto ended only in failure. 

In February, 1844, a by-law was passed by the District Council author- 
izing the appropriation of twenty-six pounds, currency, from the wild land 
assessment fund of Ennismore, "for the purpose of buildiug a scow and 
ferry boats on Mud lake, to ply from Gait's landing in Ennismore to 
Edmison's landing in Smith." The councillor for the township and two 
other persons chosen at the town meeting, were appointed commissioners 
to have the same in charge, and to contract with a ferryman for perform- 
ing this duty. The tolls to be charged, which were very low, were as 
follows : — A span of horses and waggon one shilling. A single horse, with 
or without a waggon, sixpence. A yoke of oxen and vehicle ninepence. 
Horned cattle per head three pence. Pigs and calves per head twopence. 
Each passenger threepence. 

The ferry thus established was kept in operation for a few years, but 
was found troublesome and expensive, and although a convenience to the 
public, was nevertheless discontinued. 



18-9 

Since then, the necessity for a bridge at that place has been frequently 
brought prominently before the public, and at times it seemed in a fair 
way to be secured, but has not yet been accomplished. 

In 1854 a Joint Stock Company was formed to construct a gravel road 
from Peterborough to Bobcaygcon, intending to cross Mud lake by abridge 
at the point mentioned, and thence passing across the township of Ennis- 
more. Of this company, Augustus Sawers, Esq., was President, and 
William Lundy, Elias Burnham, James Stevenson, and W. S. Conger, 
Esquires, were Directors, with Thomas White, Esq., Jr., as Secretary. 
The town adopted a by-law pledging itself to £5000. The township of 
Ennismore at a public meeting took stock to the extent of £3000, and 
stock was otherwise taken, chiefly by private individuals, to the amount of 
£1100, but the project, though begun under these favourable auspices, was 
never even commenced ; and like many other less practicable schemes, soon 
passed into oblivion. As the construction of a bridge across Mud lake, 
opposite the village of Bridgenorth, is still the subject of occasional discus- 
sion, and recently engaged the attention of the County Council, it may 
not be uninteresting to quote the estimate for such a structure, made at 
the time (1854) by Mr. Dumble, the gentleman charged with the prelim- 
inary survey and estimates of the cost of the above mentioned road. That 
for the bridge is as follows : — 

" Across Mud lake, 70 chains, bridging to consist of piles, stringers, 
corbals, plank and railing, 50 feet span, with swing to admit of navigation, 
—£3500. 

The absence of any current in the lake, even at high water, and the 
consequent small risk of injury to such a structure from the action of the 
ice, are most favorable circumstances ; which, together with the great im- 
portance of such a work to the municipalities in the rear, as well as to the 
Town of Peterborough in front, give good hope that means will ere long- 
be found to construct so desirable a work. 

In 1832, the number of persons assessed in Ennismore was 32 ; the 
number of acres cultivated 118. The value of its property as assessed 
then was $7088, and total rates for all purposes levied on the township in 
that year, $34. 

In 1866, its ratepayers numbered 185. The assessed value of its pro- 
perty was $69364. and its county rate alone, exelusiye of township and 
school rates, $494.13. 



190 

The total population of Ennismore in 1861 was 862. Of these 462 
were males and 400 females. There were in 1860, 3 deaths, 32 births and 
172 children attending school. 

The census by origin shows, 248 from Ireland, 11 from England, 8 from 
Scotland, 22 from the United States, and 572 as natives of Upper 
Canada. 

The census by religion : — Church of England 66, R. Catholic 744, 
W. Methodists 27, Free Church 24, Church of Scotland 6, and one or 
two others. 

DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS. 

District Councillors. 

Daniel Costello, Esq., was District Councillor for this township, con- 
tinuously from the first organization of that body in 1842, until it was 
merged in the County Council in 1850. 

County Councillors. 

1850, United to Smith 1855, Daniel Costello. 1861, S. McCarthy, 
for municipal 1856, Daniel Costello. 1862, S. McCarthy. 

1851, purposes. 1857, Daniel Costello. 1863, Cor. Sullivan. 

1852, Daniel Costello. 1858. Patrick Gallivan. 1864, Martin Corkery. 

1853, Daniel Costello. 1859, John Houron. 1865, Cor. Sullivan. 

1854, Daniel Costello. 1860, P. Cunningham. 1866, Jer. McCarthy. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE IN ENNISMORE. 

Daniel Costello. John Sullivan. Patrick Brick. 

Patrick Sullivan. Martin Corkery. 

LOCAL SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 

1844, Patrick Sullivan. 1856, Daniel Donahue. 1862, Daniel Donahue. 

County Superintendents. 1857, Daniel Donahue. 1863, Daniel Donahue. 

1852, Patrick Sullivau. 1858, James Brennan. 1864, Daniel Donahue. 

1853, Dr. John Irons. 1859, James Brennan. 1865, Dr. T. W. Poole. 

1854, Daniel Donahue. 1860, James Brennan. 1866, James Straiten. 

1855, Daniel Donahue. 1861, James Brennan. 



191 
CHAPTER XXIX. 



THE TOWNSHIP OF HARVEY. 

About the year 1832, a number of gentlemen,. soon after their emigra- 
tion to Canada, located in the township of Harvey, and commenced a set- 
tlement chiefly in the south-western corner,]near the shore of Pigeon 
lake, and in the vicinity of Sandy lake. Col. Strickland in his interesting 
work on Canada, says, "The spot chosen by them was one of great natural 
beauty; but it possessed no other advantages exeept]an abundance of 
came, which was no small inducement to them. Theyjrspent several thou- 
sand pounds in building fancy log houses, and making large cleariDgs 
which they had neither the ability nor industry to cultivate. But, even if 
they had possessed sufficient perseverance, their great distance from a mar- 
ket, bad roads, want of knowledge in cropping after they had cleared the 
land, lack of bridges, and poor soil, would have been a great drawback 
to the chance of effecting a prosperous settlement. In a few years not a 
settler remained of this little colony. Some stayed till their means were 
exhausted ; others more wise purchased ready-cleared farms in the settle- 
ments, or followed some profession more congenial to their tastes or more 
suited to their abilities/'* 

Among those whose first experience of life in Canada commenced in 
Harvey, were Robert Dennistoun, Esq., and Captain Wallis, who for 
many years have been regarded as among our most worthy citizens. 

Since this attempt at settlement in Harvey, no large influx of popula- 
tion has taken place, and the great bulk of the township still remains either 
in the hands of the Crown, or is owned by non-residents, who are chiefly 
lumber merchants, for whose operations the township offered peculiar fa- 
cilities in former days, but is now nearly denuded of its valuable timber, 
though still in great part covered by the forest. 

Among the first settlers in Harvey, was Mr. Matthew Warem, now of 
Smith, but who resided for 11 years in Harvey, and notwithstanding 
many disadvantages succeeded well in the pursuit of agriculture. 

A valuable mill site on the Missasauga river, in this township, was 
turned to account some years ago by Mr. Wm. Henry, who erected a fine 
sawmill on the spot, now for some years conducted by W. A. Scott, Esq. 



* -Tvventv-seyei? years in Canada West." Vol. I, .page 135, 



192 

The mill is adjacent to the Bald lakes, which are navigable for 
steamers, and by this means, the large quantity of sawn lumber manufac- 
tured there every year is shipped to market. 

The front of the township borders on Buckhorn lake, at the narrows of 
which, known as Buckhorn falls, a fine saw mill, and other machinery were 
erected some years ago by John Hall, Esq., who is also Postmaster of the 
place. 

A bridge was thrown across the stream at this point, whicli is the east- 
ern terminus of the navigation of the back lakes ; and to which steamboats 
ply constantly during the summer season for the transport of lumber. 
"Hall's bridge" or Buckhorn, as the place is called, is within the granite 
or Laurentian formation, and the approach to the spot is over boulders 
of immense size, whose huge oval backs have become partly bare, but in 
the interstices of which, trees and shrubbery still nourish. 

From Hall's bridge, a road was projected through the wild lands of this 
and the adjacent townships, intended to tap the Canada Land and Emi- 
gration Company's lands in the rear. The Town and County agreed to 
construct the portion through Harvey, and the Government undertook the 
expense and supervision of the remainder. Towards this end, the Town 
and County of Peterborough appropriated $1500 each ; but, at their 
solicitation, the Government accepted their aid to this extent, and undertook 
the work of the entire road. Operations were commenced in 1865, under 
the superintendence of Mr. T. F. Nicoll, and three miles were constructed 
at a cost to the Government of about $3000, including the expenses of 
the location of the road. During the present season, (18G6) J. K. Benson, 
Esq., with a number of men, has been proscuting the same work, of 
which about six miles are now completed, and in fair condition for 
travel. 

Until the present year, (1866), Harvey was associated with the town- 
ship of Smith for municipal purposes. Having attained the necessary 
number of ratepayers, it has now become a separate corporation, of which 
W. A. Scott, Esq., was the first and present Reeve. The number of its 
ratepayers for 1865 was set down at 69, and its assessed value for that 
year at $42,520. 

During 1864-5, the township of Harvey was resurveyed by Theodore. 
Clementi, Esq.. P. L. S., the expenses connected with which were to be 
paid partly by the Government, and partly by the owner? or lessees of 



193 

land patented in that township. The County Council authorized the work, 
believing it to be urgently required, and for the benefit of the municipality, 
but hitherto it has failed to recover the money advanced in good faith ibr 
the prosecution of the work, amounting in all to $2759. 



CHAPTER XXX. 



THE NEW TOWNSHIPS. 



The new townships of the County of Peterborough are somewhat isola- 
ted from the rest of the County, not only as regards the remoteness of their 
situation, but also on account of their more recent survey and settlement. 
Besides, though now numbering several distinct municipalities, they were, 
but a few years ago, comprised in one, and have therefore a unity of 
interest, and a somewhat similar history. For these reasons, we shall 
present such facts in reference to them, collectively and in detail, as we 
have been able to gather. 

It is no part of our duty, in these pages, to enter into the consideration 
or discussion of the merits or otherwise of the new townships of the back 
country, as a field for the pursuit of agriculture or other enterprise. Suf- 
fice it to say, that careful and practical observers have given it as their 
opinion that much good land exists in these townships ; and with the 
opening up of excellent colonization roads, stretching far into the interior, 
intending settlers there are provided with facilities of access and transpor- 
tation which ensures them advantages from the outset, unknown in the 
early settlement of the older townships of this county. 

The courageous spirits who have secured houses and farms in these new 
townships within a few years, have had lew of the difficulties to encounter 
such as are pourtrayed in the case of the first settlers of Smith ; and 
every year, such disadvantages as did at first exist, are disappearing, as 
stores, mills, school houses and churches are being erected ; thus bringing 
the blessings of civilization within reach of almost the furthest pioneers 
into this new region. 

26 



194 

The progress of these new townships, which nine years ago were not 
only entirely unsettled, but even unsurveyed, has been very remarkable. 
At first, in the year 1859, they were united with the township of Smith 
for municipal purposes. A year later, a whole block of townships, com- 
prising a large area, was united in a single municipality ; and the increase 
of population has been such, that these one after another, were enabled to 
be set off as a separate corporation ; till, on the 1st of January, 1867, no 
less than five distinct municipal bodies exist, each regulating its own 
local affairs, and sending a Reeve to sit in our County Council. 

Such a rate of progress, if persisted in, would ere many years, require 
the formation of a new county. As in older communities, progress is not 
uniformly rapid ; but while townships first settled assume a more station- 
ary position, in the newer and more remote localities, fresh advances are 
being constantly made into the interior, and a wider area every year re- 
claimed for the dominion of man, and made subservient to the pursuits of 
industry. 

We begin with the first of these new townships : — 

THE TOWNSHIP OF GALWAY : 

The township of Galway lies next to Harvey, in the rear, and has the 
Bobcaygeon road along its western boundary. It was surveyed in part by 
M. Dean, Esq., P. L. S., in 1857, and contains 09,920 acres. . He states 
of that portion surveyed by him : — "It is well watered, and although un- 
dulating and stony in places, is generally well suited for settlement. — 
However, in the 17th and 18th concessions, there is a succession of rocky 
ridges which may, for the present, retard the settlement of that section, 
but the many intervening valleys in which the soil is deep and fertile, will 
afford such inducements as will ultimately lead to its settlement.*' 

The remainder, being the south eastern corner, was surveyed by W. 
Drennan, Esq,, P. L. S., in 1860. Of this the report is less favorable. 
The surveyor says : — 

" I regret that I cannot give a very favorable report of the quality of 
the land in the greater portion of that part of the township surveyed by 
me, much of it being little better than bare rock/' 

" There are, however, patches of several hundred acres each of very 
fair land in many places ; and land appears to improve very much in the 
north east corner."' 



195 

" The line of junction of the limestone with granite or ^ncins runs 
across the south west course of the township of Gal way, as shewn on the 
plan; the former lying to the south west and the latter to the north cast: 
several other rocks crop out between the two, especially a description of sand- 
stone which seems well adapted for building purposes, being very compact 
and at tho same time easily worked, and of a beautiful color. * 

" There is some very fine pine timber, both white and red, much of it 
being from three to four feet in diameter. It is the only timber of much 
commercial importance, except perhaps tamarack, there being very little 
elm and no oak. The most frequent descriptions of hardwood timber are 
maple, basswood, iron-wood and beech." 

During 1858-9, settlers flocked into this township in considerable num- 
bers. Among the first of these were, Messrs. Thomas R. White, James 
Lyle, John Coulter, John Lambert, John Henderson, John Allan, John 
Doherty, Robert Purely, Thomas Probert, Thomas McGahey, Anthony 
Lawrence, John Hcaley, Maurice Hartnctt, John T. Henderson, William 
Casey, Win. Craig, Thomas Morgan, Thomas Bick, Duncan Moulineaux, 
Andrew Hamilton, Michael Flaherty, James Flaherty, William Leeson, 
Michael, George and John O'Brien, Maurice Sullivan, Michael Kane, 
James Purdy and perhaps others. 

During the first year of settlement, an average of about three acres 
was cleared on each lot ; now, in 1866, the total number of settlers 
is 122, and the clearings on the lots settled will average probably 20 acres 
each. 120,000 acres of land are assessed in Galway, for 1866, and there is 
said to be some good land still unoccupied. 

At the time the first settlement was made, the Bobcaygeon road was 
only partially completed ; and the nearest point for milling and market 
was Bobcaygeon village, a distance to the settlers of from nine to eighteen 
miles. The first store in Galway was opened by Thomas Probert, Esq., 
in 1860, at his residence on lot 7, concession A, on the Bobcaygeon road. 
Mr. Probert was also the first Postmaster, his office having been opened in 
1860. He is also a Justice of the Peaee, and has for three years repre- 
sented the municipality in the County Council. 

The first clergymen who visited Galway, were the Rev. John A. Dowler 
and the Rev. George H. Kenney, of the Methodist, the Rev. Mr. Clark of 
the Presbyterian, and the Rev. John Vicars, of the Episcopal church, 
Lindsay. At Silver lake, religious services are held every Sunday. 

26* 



196 

The tavern-keepers of Galway are Mr. Thomas 11. White, 011 lot 1 con- 
cession A, and Mr. John Edgar, of Silver lake. 

During the first years of settlement, hears were frequently met with, 
and the howling of wolves was not unusal, 

The improvement of the Boboaygcon road, and also the opening up of 
roads in the interior of the township, have materially improved the pros- 
pects of the settlers, while the facts already mentioned bear witness to the 
material progress which has been made in a few brief years. 

A reference to the census for 18G1 shows that Galway had then a popu- 
lation of 352. Of these 171 were males and 181 females. During I860 
there was one death and 16 births in this township. 20 children were re- 
turned as attending school. 

The census by religion, as taken in 1861, shows : — Church of England 
105, R. Catholic 149, W. Methodists 12, Free Church 16, Church of 
Scotland 6, Baptists 9, other Methodists 24, and other churches 31. 

The names of the Reeves and Township Clerks of this and the other 
new townships will be found in tabular form in a future page. 

The number of ratepayers in Galway in 1866, was 122 ; the total 
assessed value of property $20110, and the sum levied for county rate 
$76.85. The assessment roll shows 12 of the first and 58 of the second 
class militia for that year. 



THE TOWNSHIP OF SNOWDEN. 

Proceeding further along the Bobcaygeon road, the next township to 
Galway is Snowden, This township was surveyed in 1859 by M. Dean, 
Esq., P. L. S. To convey a general idea of its topography, we quote the 
following from his official report : — 

" For the purpose of more fully describing the land and timber, I have 
made a tracing from the plan to accompany the returns, on which I have 
divided the township into five sections — number one embracing the north 
and north-western portion of the township, is a tract of hardwood laud 
composed of a sandy loam soil, generally stony and rocky in places ; the 
prevailing timber is maple, beech, elm, birch, hemlock, ironwood, basswood 
and balsam. Section number two is a small tract of inferior land, very 
rocky, and timbered with pine, hemlock and balsam. Section number 






197 

three i?au extensive tract of high rolling land, being a succession of hill*, 
ridges and knolls, the summits of which are all more or less rocky, while 
the intervening valleys, owing to deposits washed from the surrounding 
heights, possess a deep, rich and fertile soil ; the principal timber is pine, 
hemlock, cedar, balsam and tamarack, each ranking consecutively according 
to its abundance, and with respect to the pine, of which there arc white 
and red, the former is not of a good quality, and the latter is generally too 
small for merchantable timber. Section number four is a tract of land 
which was burned about twenty years ago, and is now overrun with a 
second growth of poplar, birch, hemlock and pine, Section number five is 
a small tract of undulating land of good quality, timbered with maple, 
beech, basswood, hemlock, elm and ironwood ; the soil is sandy loam, and 
stony in places." 

The following were among the first settlers of Snowden : — Messrs. S. S. 
Peck, J. B. Edmison, Henry Edmison, Richard McCracken, W. B. 
Brower, Stephen Moore, R. C. Garratt, Archibald Scott, Robert Ritchie, 
Henry Agglestone, John Scheffee, David Roxborough, David Chalmers 
and Andrew Chalmers. 

The want of roads, mills and stores, were among the disadvantages of 
the early settlement, but the latter were ere long supplied, by the spring- 
ing up of the village of Minden, in the adjacent portion of the township of 
Minden, which at once became the chief market and place of trade of this 
and adjoining townships. 

In consequence of this proximity to the village of Minden, Snowden 
has no resident clergymen, no Post Office, and no tavern. S. S. Peck, 
Esq., who for several years has been elected Reeve of the township, is also 
a Justice of the Peace, a Commissioner in the Queen's Bench, and also 
Issuer of Marriage Licenses. Mr. Robert Ritchie was first Reeve of 
Snowden, after its erection into a separate municipality. The names of 
those who successively filled that office in the different municipalities, and 
those of the several township Clerks, &c, will be given hereafter in tabular 
form, as more concise and convenient for reference. 

A Wesleyan Methodist Church was erected on lot 15 in the 13th con- 
cession, in 1863. The first school house, known as "Peck's," was erected 
on lot 30, concession A. The first trustees were Messrs. Rueben C. Gar- 
rett, Stephen Munn, and William Heartell, The first teacher was Miss 



198 

M. A. Peck. The second school house in Snowclen was that now known 
as belonging to Section no. 4, on lot 16, concession A. Mr. Thos. Smith 
was the first school teacher. 

Bears, foxes and wild cats were plentiful, and are still occasionally met 
with, but occasion no special inconvenience. 

At the taking of the last census, (in 1861) Snowden had residents, from 
Ireland 25, England 15, Scotland 5, United States 6, Upper Canada 125, 
Lower Canada 1, other countries II. 

There were, members of the Church of Eugland 88, 11. Catholic 12, W. 
Methodist 34, E. Methodist 11, Free Church 2, Church of Scotland 22, 
other churches 19. 

The total population was then 188, of which 110 were males and 78 
females. 

The assessment roll for 1866, shows the names of 83 ratepayers in 
Snowden. The total valuation of property for that year was $17666, 
and the county rate $93.72. The militia enrolled were, first class 23, 
second class 32, third class 10. 



THE TOWNSHIP OF MINDEN. 

The township of Minden was surveyed by J. W. Fitzgerald, Esq., 
P. L. S., in 1859, and contains 46,000 acres. In his official report to the 
Commissioner of Crown Lands, he thus speaks of it : — 

" I am pleased, Sir, to be able to report very favorably of this township, 
which is now being fast settled with an industrious and intelligent class of 
people, composed chiefly of emigrants of a few years' experience in the 
country, who have acquired a good knowledge of Canadian life. There 
are already several large clearings varying from two to fifteen acres, the 
greater portion of w r hich is under crop ; the soil is generally composed of 
sandy loam, in some cases resting upon a substratum of clay and gravel, it 
is of good depth, and capable of affording a profitable yield to the industri- 
ous husbandman." 

" The timber in the township is principally beech, maple and pine of 
average size, and well balanced to supply all the wants of the inhabitants ; 
there are occasional cedar and spruce swamps, which, by a little drainage, 
could be rendered exceedingly fertile. The Gull and Burnt rivers have 



199 

their sources in Minden ; upon them are several mill privileges, which will 
soon be required to be put into operation to satisfy the demands of the 
settlers. . There is one mill site on Gull river, on lot no. 3, in the 3rd con- 
cession, having an unbroken fall of 14 feet, and capable of being easily 
applied." 

"A large portion of the township is occupied with lakes, in which 
Salmon Trout are very abundant, and from three to five pounds weight. 
Beaver, Mink, Otter and Martin are very abundant all through this part 
of the country, and Deer are very plentiful. I have counted as many as 
seventeen in a drove. ' 

" The geological and mineral features of the country are also deserving 
of some notice. The formation is entirely granite, and crops out in a 
north-westerly direction, at right angles to the ridges which define the 
valleys and water-courses, in a north-easterly direction. I have found 
good specimens of galena, which would probably yield from 30 to 50 per 
cent, of lead, and 20 to 30 of sulphur ; evidences of copper ore also exist, 
though not abundant." 

The first settler in Minden was Mr. Francis Kent, who located himself 
there in 1858, before the township was surveyed. In 1859, the following 
settlers found their way into that township : — Messrs. Malachi Campbell, 
William Murray, James Murray, Harry Dawkins, James and Henry 
Burns. 

The first saw mill in the township of Minden was built in 1860, by Mr. 
Wm. Gainor, on Beaver creek, on lot 9, con. A. Mr. Richard Smith also 
built a saw mill in 1863. 

The Village of Minden. — The village of Minden has the distinction 
of being, in a sense, the pivot around which the more remote of the new 
townships may be said to revolve. It is there that clergymen of the dif- 
ferent religious denominations reside, who, by their ministrations, supply 
the spiritual wants of all the adjacent townships. Thither the settlers 
from a large area around flock to mill, market, store, Post Office and Di- 
vision Court. So important a place is worthy of all the details which we 
may be able to give. In the editorial columns of the Peterborough Review 
of October, 1860, we find the following memorandum of a visit to this 
place, a little more than six years ago : — 



200 

• 

•• Gull river, or what to the traveller on the Bobcaygeoti road is recog- 
nised as such, is a busy spot. It is the centre for the fine district sur- 
rounding it, and Mr. Daniel Buck, who keeps a tavern there, has his hands 
full, usually, to entertain his guests. He is making preparations to erect 
a large frame building to be used as an hotel ; and hopes to have it up 
this fall. The lot opposite his place, lot three in Mind en, forming the 
corner, bounded on two sides by the Gull river and the Bobcavgeon road, 
has been reserved by the Government, and the settlement of the place is 
somewhat retarded in consequence of this. A petition is now in course of 
signature praying the Government to cause it to be surveyed as a town 
plot, and plated on sale with settlement conditions." 

Mr. Daniel Buck, it will be seen, was the first hotel keeper in Mindeu. 
He was also the first Postmaster, and the office, first opened in 1860, hav- 
ing then only a weekly, is now supplied with a tri-weekly mail. Mr. 
Thomas Young opened the first general store in Minden in 1860, which 
was followed by that of Messrs. George and H. Andrews in the fall of 
1862. To these have since been added the stores of Messrs. Win. Dumble. 
Andrew Bell, Francis Mason and James Langton. 

A saw mill, at a falls about a mile above the village, Avas built in 1861, 
and a frame grist mill at the same place followed in 1862. The first 
mill had one run of stones, was commenced and partially completed by 
Mr. J. W. Cummings, and then passed into the hands of Mr. Francis 
Moore. 

The Methodist minister who first visited Minden, and the neighboring 
townships, was the Bev. John A. Dowler, who was stationed at Bobcay- 
geon. His successors in the work were the Bev. James W. Sloan, Bev. 
AVm. Sheridan, Bev. Wm. Shortt, and the Bev. W. II. Schofield. 

The Free Presbyterian church also sent missionaries into Minden and 
the neighboring townships at an early period. Among these was the Bev. 
William Clarke, who officiated for two years, (I860 and 18G1.) The 
Bev. Walter M. Boger in 18G2. The Bev. James McNaughton in 1863. 
The Bev. Mr. B-eeve in 1864, who resided in Minden. Bev. J. W. Ferris 
in 1865, and the Bev. J. W. Bell in I860. 

The Bev. John Vicars of the Episcopal church, Lindsay, also minister- 
ed to the spiritual wants of the new settlers in Minden and the neighbor- 
ing townships, at intervals, for several years. In 1865, the Bev. Mr. 



201 

Burt, a clergyman of that church, was located at Haliburton, in the town- 
ship of Dysart, but removed during the same year to Minden, wlicrc.be has 
since resided. 

The Episcopal Methodists were among the earliest in occupying this 
new field. The Rev. Mr. Egan was the pioneer of this church in Min- 
den in 1861. He has been followed by the Rev. J. B. Sparrow, Rev. 
Tobias Myrcs, Rev. Abraham Maybee, and the Rev. P. L. Sparrow. 
These gentlemen's attentions have not been coufined to Minden, but as 
well as the clergymen of other denominations, have freely visited all the 
back townships. In 1862 a Methodist Episcopal church, a log building, 
was erected at Austin's narrows, on Kahshagawigamog lake. A Wesleyan 
Methodist church, also log, was erected in the township in 1863, while the 
village of Minden possesses two churches ; the first, a Free Presbyterian 
church, a frame building, erected in 1864, and the second, a Wesleyan 
Methodist church, erected in 1865, also a frame building. This last is 
used by the resident clergyman of the Church of England, in the absence 
of any church edifice of his own. The Bible Christian church was repre- 
sented at Minden as early as 1862, of which the Rev. Mr. Browning was 
the first minister. 

From what has been said of the number of christian churches repre- 
sented at Minden, and the variety of Rev. teachers who during a few brief 
years have ministered to the spiritual wants of that people, it is evident 
that Minden has been highly favored in this respect. Founded in 1860, 
it has had during the six years which have elapsed, no less than nineteen 
religious teachers representing five christian churches ; — a number and a 
variety considerably in advance of much older localities. Were the term 
not incongruous, as applied to such a subject, we should certainly have 
written Minden down as a decidedly fast place religiously. 

The first school house in Minden was erected at the village in 1860, of 
which the trustees were Messrs. Daniel Buck, senior, William Beavis and 
T. L. Moore. The second school was organized at Peterson's corners 
in 1864. Four others have since been added throughout the town- 
ship, making six school houses in all, a circumstance which alone speaks 
volumes for the enterprise and intelligence of so young a community. 

The hotel already mentioned is kept by Mr. Daniel Buck, senior, was 
on the Victoria side of the of the Bobcaygeon road, and has since passed 

27 



202 

into the hands of his son John, and more recently is kept by his younger 
son, Daniel Buck, junior. The first hotel, actually in Minden, was that 
opcuded by Mr. Benjamin Sawyers in 1863. A second at some distance 
from the village, is kept by Mr. William Gcrvai*. 

A Division Court was established at Minden in 1865, at which His 
Honor R. M. Boucher, Esq., Judge for the County, presides. 8. S. Peck, 
Esq., is Clerk, and Mr. K. C. Garrett. Bailiff, of the Court. 

William Gainor, Esq., of the township of Minden, is a Justice of the 
Peace, as is also the Reeve of Minden, and the Reeves of the townships 
adjoining. 

William McKelvey, Esq., who for many years has acted as Clerk of the 
municipality of Minden, is also a Commissioner of the Queen's Bench and 
Issuer of Marriage Licenses. 

The total population of the townships of Minden and Stanhope in 1861, 
was 230. Of these 110 were males and 88 females. 

There were from Ireland 49, England 35, Scotland 5, United States 3, 
Upper Canada 136, Lower Canada 1, other countries 1. 

As regards religion, there were (in 1861) Church of England 32, R. 
Catholic 4, W. Methodist 69, Bible Christian 4, Free Church 4, Church 
of Scotland 14, and Baptists 2. 

The Assessment Roll for 1866, shows the number of ratepayers for 
that year to' be 188, the total value of assessed property $31002, and the 
county rate $114.79. The militia of Minden for 1866, were, 1st class 27, 
2nd class 68, third class 27. 



THE TOWNSHIP OF STANHOPE. 

This township was surveyed by C. R. Stewart, Esq., P. L. S.,in 1860. 
He says of it in his official report : — 

" The land in this township is more hilly and undulating than in Min- 
den and the soil is generally lighter ; north of a chain of lakes previously 
referred to, flowing into Big Bushkonk, are a series of hardwood ridges of 
moderate height ; the soil in the valleys between thein is very rich, but on 
them is light and stony ; the above water chain flows through several large 



203 

cranberry marshes. About 45 per cent, of this township is suitable for 
farming purposes.*' 

The first settler in Stanhope was Mr. Isaac Hunter, who found his way 
into thnt wilderness in 1855, long before the land was surveyed. He was 
followed in 1859 by Mr. George A. Mason, and in 1860 by Messrs. James 
Mellville and Ruel Clarke. In 1861 the following persons became actual 
settlers : — Messrs. Robert Sturgeon, James A. Ferguson, Thomas Mason, 
Caleb Davis, Samuel Sims, William Welsh aud Benjamin Clark. 

Stanhope can boast of two saw-mills, the first of which was erected in 
1862, by Mr. William Cameron, on the north branch river flowing into 
lake Bushkonk. The second was built by Daniel Buck, senior, on the 
west branch flowing into that lake. A third saw mill on the east branch, 
was commenced in 1863, by Mr. James A. Ferguson, but is not yet fully 
completed. 

Stanhope, as yet, has neither store nor grist mill, church or school. A 
Post Office is expected to be opened shortly. Clergymen, from Mindeu 
and elsewhere, visit the township and officiate in private houses. It be- 
came a separate municipality in 1866, and in that year had the names of 
51 ratepayers on its assessment roll. Its total assessed property for that 
year was $8998, and its county rate $51.82. Its militia was enrolled as 
followed, 1st class 17, 2nd class 17, 3rd class 9. 

CANADIAN LAND AND EMIGRATION COMPANY'S LANDS. 

The townships of Dysart, Dudley, Harcourt, Guilford, Harbum, Bruton, 
Havelock, Eyre and Clyde, nine townships "en bloc" are the property of 
the Canadian Land and Emigration Company, (limited) of London, Eng- 
land,— capital £250,000, sterliug. 

In 1861, the company agreed to purchase these townships, and one 
other in the County of Victoria, from the Crown Lands department, on 
which they paid down over $95,000. By the terms of the purchase, it was 
agreed that the company were not to pay for land covered by lakes, rivers 
or swamps, and that certain allowances were to made for roads, &e. 

An exploratory survey was made by Mr. Gossage, P. L. S., who was 
subsequently entrusted with the survey and subdivision of the townships 
into farm lots of 100 acres each. The original terms of the agreement 
were, in the opinion of the company, not adhered to by the Government, 

27* 



204 

and a great deal of negotiation took place on the subject, — the terms not 
being finally settled until August, 1864. 

By the agreement entered into, (published in the report of the Commis- 
sioner of Crown Lands for the half year ending 30th June, 1865,) it 
appears that the area of the ten townships is 403,125 acres, from which the 
Commissioner deducted 41,000 acres for area covered by swamps, &c, 
leaving 362,125 acres to be paid for at the rate of 50 cents per acre. The 
ordinary settlement duties are to be performed on an area of 261,544 
acres, within a period of 15 years from 1st January, 1865. 

Ten per cent, of the purchase money is to be refunded to the company 
for the construction of leading lines of road through their lands, subject 
to the inspection of the Superintendent of Colonization roads. 

The purchase of the ten townships was completed in May, 1865, when 
a patent was issued to the company, and a Provincial Act of incorporation 
was subsequently obtained. 

The difficulty of arriving at any definite arrangement with the Crown 
Lands department, and various other matters for some time retarded the 
operations of the company. Among these may be noted the case of 
"Gossage vs. the Company," which excited considerable interest at the 
time ; the question being the fair interpretation of the following words in 
a contract "average for the year 1861 of the acreage cost of the Govern- 
ment surveys," — the various officials of the Crown Lands department giv- 
ing three different average rates. Under these circumstances, the company 
can in fact be only said to have been in active operation for a little over 
two years. 

In September, 1865, the present Secretary, then unconnected with the 
company, made a trip with the Surveyor to the township of Dysart. 
There was at that time no access at all to the township from the Bobcay- 
geon road, except through the township of Minden by a portage road or 
rather track of three miles to the foot of lake Kahshagawigamog, (now gen- 
erally called Kushog by the settlers) and thence by water. The inhabi- 
tants numbered about half a dozen settlers, two of whom were old trappers 
who had ''squatted" there before the company was heard of. In the fall 
and spring, before the ice had thoroughly formed and before it broke up, 
these families were prisoners in the township, dependent for sustenance on 
the company's store, — at that time by no means furnished with the luxu- 
ries and comforts of civilized life. It is due, however, to the company to 



205 

state that they assisted some of the early settlers who were unable to 
earn a livelihood, in a most liberal manner and for*a considerable time. 
The now rising village of Haliburton, at the head of lake Kushog, existed 
then only to the eye of faith and prophecy, there being but one small 
shanty, minus a roof, in which the gentleman above mentioned bivouacked 
for a few days. 

The first commencement of a road through Dysart was made at that 
date, September, 1863, and was completed in the summer of 1865 as far as 
Haliburton. It is now open to the Peterson road, from which the company 
are clearing off the brush which has grown up since its construction by 
Government. Through the joint exertions of the company and the ad- 
joining municipalities of Snowdon and Minden, a connecting road has also 
been opened to the Bobcaygeon road, at a point about two miles south of 
the village of Minden or Gull river. The Burleigh and Buckhorn 
roads, when completed, will give more direct access to the company's 
block. 

The character of the country is undulating, studded with beautiful 
lakes of from one to fifteen miles in length, fed by streams containing many 
excellent mill sites. The scenery is everywhere picturesque, and the air 
extremely healthy. The soil is a rich sandy loam, and of its fitness for 
agricultural purposes, a sufficient proof is afforded by a reference to the 
report of the Provincial Exhibition in 1865, held at London, C.W., where 
it will be seen that an assortment of farm produce from the settlers in 
Dysart obtained a special prize, and the grain was particularly commend- 
ed by the Judges. The country is also admirably adapted for stock 
raising, and for sheep farming as the clearings increase. The timber 
is principally good hardwood, with sufficient pine for local purposes. 

An excellent grist mill at Haliburton supplies the wants of the commu- 
nity, and there are also a saw mill, store and boarding house, Post Office, 
&c. Lots have been granted by the company to the various religious 
denominations for the erection thereon of places of worship. Three school 
sections have been formed, and an Agricultural Society has been properly 
organized. 

The first settlers in Dysart were, Messrs. David Sawyers and William 
and James Murray, who located there in 1863. During the following 
year, they were joined by Messrs. John and James R. Erskiue, — Leeper, 
Richard Thompson, Stephen Thompson, George Thompson, James Hoi- 



206 

land, William Holland. Willett Austin, John Lucas. William Gainor, 
William Ellstone, and subsequently by others. 

The saw mill, already mentioned, was erected in 1864, as was also the 
school house and church at Haliburton. The grist mill was completed in 
1865, and has one run of stones. The first trustees of the Haliburton 
school were Messrs. John Lucas, J. R. Erskine and John Stoddard. One 
other school now exists in Dysart, erected in 1866, and taught by Miss 
A. Giggins, whose sister was teacher of the school at Haliburton. 

Mr. A. H. Garratt's general store was opened at Haliburton in 1865, 
and Mr. Samuel Pocket's tavern during the same year. A blacksmith, 
carpenter and other tradesmen also ply their avocations. 

An enterprising settler has recently built a small steamboat, which is 
intended to run from Haliburton to the foot of Lake Kushog, 3 miles 
from Minden, a distance of about 13 miles. 

Dysart has been set off this year in conjunction with three other town- 
ships of the company as a separate municipality, John Lucas, Esq., being 
the first Reeve. 

On the whole, the progress made in this township, so far in the rear of 
our beautiful county, cannot be looked upon as otherwise than encourag- 
ing ; and the large capital which the company have invested in the land, 
is a sufficient guarantee that they will do all in their power to develope 
settlement, from which alone they can hope to realize any considerable 
profit. 

REEVES AND CLERKS. 

For conciseness of detail, as well as ease of reference, the following 
statement has been prepared, showing the date of the formation of new 
municipalities in the back country, and the names of the Reeves and 
township Clerks who have successively or severally performed the important 
trusts committed to them on their election or appointment to these offices. 

The municipality first formed, in the back country, — as we suppose it 
must still be called, — was composed of the townships of Gal way, Snowden 
and Minden, in the County of Peterborough, and those of Anson and Lut- 
terworth in the County of Victoria, for as yet the two counties had not been 
separated. The municipality as thus formed came into official existence 
on the first of January, I860, and continued to comprise the same town- 
ships for two years. At the close of 1861, Anson and Lutterworth, being 
on the Victoria side of the boundary line, withdrew on the separation of 



207 

that county from Peterborough, leaving the municipality formed as men- 
tioned below. Other withdrawals have gradually been made as new 
towusbips became possessed of a sufficient number of ratepayers to entitle 
them to a separate municipal existence of their own; so that in 1867 we 
find five distinct municipal councils, with their officers and legal powers, 
where six years ago, little save a wild wilderness, but partially surveyed, 
existed. Such has been the growth and prosperity of these new town- 
ships ! 

TABULAR STATEMENT 

Of Reeves, Clerks, and Municipalities, composed of the new Townships, 
from January, 1860, to January, 1867. 



Year 



1860 

1861 
1862 

1862 
1863 
1863 
1863 
1864 
1864 

1864 
1865 
1865 

1865 
1866 
1866 
1866 
1866 
1867 
1867 
1867 
1867 
1867 



Townships comprising 
Municipalities. 




Township Clerk. 



Gal way, Snowden, Minden, 
Anson and Lutterworth . 

The same 

Snowden, Minden and 

Stanhope 

Galway 

Snowden 

Minden and Stanhope 

Galway 

Snowden 

Minden, Stanhope and Dy- 

sart 

Galway 

Snowden 

Minden, Stanhope and Dy- 

sart 

Galway 

Snowden 

Minden and Dysart 

Galway 

Stanhope (1st year) 

Snowden 

Minden 

Galway. 

Stanhope 

Dysart, &c. (1st year) 



Charles Austin. 
Thomas Prober t. 

S. S. Peck. 
Thomas Probert. 
Robert Ritchie. 
William Gainor. 
Thomas Probert. 
S. S. Peck. 

Wm. Gainor. 
Thos. McGaughey 
S. S. Peck. 

Charles Austin. 
Thomas Probert. 
S. S. Peck. 
John Lucas. 
Thomas Probert. 
James Mellville. 



Wm, Hartle. 
Wm. McKelvey. 

Wm. McKelvey. 
Wm. Leeson. 
Wm. McKelvey. 
Wm. McKelvey. 
Wm. Leeson, 
Benj. Roth well. 

Wm. McKelvey. 
Wm. Leeson. 
Francis Peck. 

Wm. McKelvey. 
Wm. Leeson. 
Francis Peck. 
Wm. McKelvey. 
Christopher Irwin. 
George J. Rowe. 



208 

LOCAL SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 

The progress of education in the new townships has kept pace with the 
advancement in material progress. In 1866, the schools numbered 14 
in all, and were distributed as follows : — Galway 3, Snowdcn 4, Minden 5, 
Dysart 2. 

The following Rev. gentlemen have successively filled the office of Local 
Superintendent for the several municipalities named : — 

Rev. John A. Dowler, Bobcaygeon. 

Rev. John Vicars, Lindsay. 

Rev. William Sheridan Bobcaygeon. 

Rev. William Shortt. Bobcaygeon. 

Rev. F. Burt Minden. 

The last named gentlemen at present fills the office. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 



THE BURLEIGH ROAD SETTLEMENT. 

The construction of the Burleigh Colonization road was commenced in 
1860, under the superintendence of the late Mr. Gibson, who had then 
the supervision of these roads throughout the Province. 

The plan adopted was to let the work of constructing the road in sec- 
tions, of considerable length, to contractors, who were paid on completion 
of the work according to agreement. Mr. James Walsh entered into con- 
tract for the first 23 miles, and Mr. William Lackey for the next section 
of 20 miles. These were the gentlemen with whom the Government had 
to deal, but they sub-let portions of the distance to others, whose names 
are not material to this narrative. 

The roads constructed in this manner were far from satisfactory or per- 
manent, and owing to various causes, the contract system was abolished 
on all the Colonization roads, after a trial of a year or two. The plan 
then adopted was to place some competent person in charge of the work, 
who should employ men by the day. superintend their operations, and b« 



209 

responsible to the department for the result. This system was commenced 
on the Burleigh road during the season of 1865, under John Carroll, Esq., 
who from the beginning of 1864 had been acting as Crown Land Agent 
for this settlement. During the year 1864, the road became utterly im. 
passable, partly from the wearing out of the temporary material used in 
constructing it, but chiefly owing to the destructive fires which swept the 
woods, and burned several of the bridges ; thus rendering the position of 
the settlers, who chiefly resided at its further extremity, at once precarious 
and disheartening. 

In the spring of 1865, the work of repairing the road, — it might indeed 
be said of re-constructing it,— was commenced at Burleigh bridge, and was 
prosecuted with vigor. The "Burleigh rocks," which fill up the south- 
western portion of the township, are immense boulders of granite, whose 
oval surfaces occupy an area often of half an acre. Over these the road had 
to be carried. This was successfully accomplished by filling the little valleys 
and interstices between them with solid stone, broken on the surface, thus 
forming an even and permanent road-way. The burned bridges were 
replaced by excellent timbers, necessarily brought from a distance, 
and in this way, 24 miles were not only rendered passable, but converted 
into an excellent road during 1865. Up to November, 1866, eleven miles 
more were finished, of which eight had been cut out and partially made 
under the old system, while three were entirely new. It is under- 
stood that this road will be continued as far as Peterson's line, and if it is 
to be as really useful as it is expected to be, this should be the case ; 
for its first twenty miles have to be passed over before land of average 
quality is reached, or the prospects of a settlement fairly appear; so 
that the lands best fitted for settlement will be found towards its further 
extremity. ' 

The entire back country is of the Laurentian or granite formation, 
which passes under Stoney lake, and forms its numerous islets. Occasion- 
al ridges of limestone, however, are found ; and the land, so far as tested 
by practical experience, has proved itself capable of yielding abundant 
crops. 

We pass now to a brief notice of the several townships along the road, 
commencing with 



2$ 



210 

THE TOWNSHIP OF BURLEIGH. 

This township was surveyed as early as 1834, and was re-surveyed in 
1864-5 by J. W. Fitzgerald, Esq., P. L. S. The "Burleigh rocks" before 
referred to, were long a barrier to settlement, and would doubtless remain 
so still, were it not for the road which now enables them to be passed over 
with comparative ease. 

The first settler who ventured beyond these rocky impediments, and 
located himself in the eastern side of Burleigh, was Mr. Giles Stone. 
This was in the year 1861 ; and now, in 1866, the Assessment roll for Bur- 
leigh shows, ratepayers to the number of forty-six in that township alone. 
A number of settlers found their way there in 1862-3, and we proceed to 
give the names of these pioneers, as in the older townships. They were 
Messrs. James Goulbourn, Peter Phelan, Alexander Brown, Atwood 
Brooks, William Clifford, Edward Sanderson, William Spencer, — Myers, 
Isaac Meers, Christopher White, Ephraim Burt, John McConnell, Charles 
Burt and John Coon. 

There is one tavern in Burleigh — that kept by Mr. Peter Phelan. The 
first Post Office was opened in 1864, under the name of "Burleigh," of 
which James Goulbourn, Esq., is Postmaster. The second in 1866, called 
after the member for the county, "Haultain," of which Mr. Giles Stone, 
the first settler, is Postmaster. Two school houses were erected in Bur- 
leigh during 1866, one near Mr. Giles Stone's, the other near Mr. 
Burt's. Both of them are hewed logs, and well adapted for the purposes 
intended. 

The first saw mill was erected in Burleigh by James Goulbourn, Esq., 
on Eel's creek, in 1863, and a second during the following year on the same 
stream, by Charles J. Vizard, Esq., a gentleman who has contributed much 
to the success of the settlement by furnishing employment to the settlers, 
for which they were promptly paid in cash, at a time when they had few 
other resources upon which to depend. During 1866, a small grist mill 
was erected by Mr. Goulbourn, and is now in operation. 

Until the present time, Burleigh has been the senior municipality, hav- 
ing the greater number of ratepayers, and it and the adjoining townships 
have been associated together as one municipality. The rapid increase 
of settlers, however, will speedily give rise to two or more corporations, 
amid which Chandos promises to take the lead, as having now the largest 
population. 



211 

The chief difficulties with which the early settlers had to contend, were 
owing to the distance which their supplies had to be transported, and the 
absence of proper facilities for doing so. The summer of 1864 proved 
especially trying. The unusual drought affected their harvests, while the 
destruction of the bridges on the road by fire, and the practical closing up 
of their thoroughfare, bad as it was, greatly disheartened the settlers. The 
destructive fires swept away the fruits of the industry of some, while the 
non-payment of wages by a sub-contractor disappointed the hopes of others ; 
and all these causes together, pressed severely upon the infant settlement. 
The difficulties of the position were greater than even during the first 
year, for there were more mouths to fill, with diminished facilities fpr pro- 
curing the necessary supplies. Three days were usually required for the 
transport of these from Peterborough. The first stage was by a hired 
team to Young's. Here a canoe or boat was engaged, which when laden 
was paddled up Clear and Stony lakes to Julien's landing, and from this 
point, partly by ox teams, but oftener on their shoulders, the hard earned 
necessaries were carried some miles further, through a bush with barely 
the semblance of a road. 

Fortunately, this state of things was not of long continuance. The 
expenditure of money on the road in 1865; the re-opening of their 
thoroughfare ; and the excellent crops of that season, restored confidence 
and hope, and with these the settlement has continued to progress. 

Burleigh was for several years attached to Dummer for municipal pur- 
poses. The separation took place on the 1st day of January, 1865 ; and 
James Goulbourn, Esq., was returned as first Keeve, and took his seat in 
the County Council for that year. In 1866, John Carroll, Esq., Crown 
Land Agent, was chosen Reeve, and ably fulfilled the duties of that 
position. 

A difficulty exists between this township and the county in reference to 
the re-payment of moneys expended by the County Council in the recent 
re-survey of the township, to which further reference need not be made 
here ; and which, it is hoped, will ere long admit of a solution at once 
just to the county and satisfactory to the ratepayers of Burleigh. 



28* 



212 

THE TOWNSHIP OF ANSTRUTHER. 
The township of Austruther lies immediately in the rear of Burleigh ; 
the Colonization road passing through its south-east corner before entering 
the township of Chandos, which bounds it on the east. Anstruther was 
surveyed in 1859-60 by Geo. A. Stewart, Esq., P. L. S. 

Among the earliest settlers of this township were Messrs. Thomas 
Stewart, Patrick Breen, William Wilson and sons, Edward S. Hall, D. R. 
Castidy, Charles J. Vizard, Captain Lynch Bloss, Dr. Clegg, Caleb 
Lousley, John Steen, Philip Lousley, and John Young, most of whom 
found their way there in 1862. 

Mr..D. R. Castidy and Mr. Philip Lousley now keep store in Anstru- 
ther. Mr. Edward S Hall has charge of the "Apsley" Post Office- 
opened in 1865, of which Mr. Charles J. Vizard was first Postmaster. 

Two Union School sections have been formed between Anstruther and 
Chandos, in one of which a substantial log school house was erected in 
1866, at a cost of about $150. In the other, which is situated north of 
the Chandos Post Office, an unoccupied dwelling house erected by a settler, 
is temporarily used for this purpose ; a school having been opened there 
by Miss Sheehan in August, lb66. 

A small Wesleyan church was erected in Anstruther during the same year, 
(1866) which is intended for use by the entire settlement. As yet the 
Rev. Mr. Sheridan and the Rev. Mr. Gander, of the Methodist church, 
are the only ministers of any denomination who have conducted religious 
services in this settlement. 

Anstruther has two taverns, kept respectively by Mr. Thomas Stewart, 
and Mr. E. S. Hall. 

The remarks made in reference to the difficulties and trials of settle- 
ment, in connection with Burleigh, apply equally to Anstruther, and also 
the next township, viz :- — 



THE TOWNSHIP OF CHANDOS. 

This township has made the most rapid progress of any in the settle- 
ment. First settled in 1862, the names of fifty-seven ratepayers appear 
on the resident roll for 1866. 

Among the first settlers were Messrs. Henry J. Maxwell, Samuel Edgar, 
Cornelius Maher, James Young, Billings Kilburn, Michael O'Brien, 



213 

Patrick, James, Maurice, John and Daniel O'Brien; Patrick Horan, 
John, Robert and William. Horan, William Morrison, John Finarty and 
Patrick Finarty. 

Most of the settlers named in this and the other townships were men of 
families. The first child born in Chandos was a son of Mr. Billings 
Kilburn, in 1863. Mr. Maxwell, besides his farm, has a general store, 
and is also Postmaster of the "Chandos" office. 

As already stated, this and the neighboring townships are all united for 
municipal purposes, but ere long, Chandos will be erected into a separate 
municipality. 

Both this and the adjoining townships are rich in iron, marble and 
other valuable deposits, which only await labor and enterprise to turn to 
profitable account, and greatly to conduce not only to the wealth and 
population of these new settlements, but to the general resources and pros- 
perity of the Province. 



THE TOWNSHIP OF CARDIFF. 

During 1862, the following settlers found their way into Cardiff, — a 
partly surveyed township in the rear of Chandos : — Messrs. Wheeler Arm- 
strong, George Patterson and Joseph Dunlop. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 



THE INDIAN TRIBES. 



There are in the County of Peterborough the remnant of two bands of 
Indians, both being of the Massasaugua tribe ; the one residing on the 
northern shore of Rice lake, and the other on a projection of the township 
of Smith, which is prominently visible in the upper part of Chemong or 
Mud lake. 

In the year 1818, the Indians of these two bands, surrendered to the 
Government 1,951,000 acres of land in the then Newcastle District; in return 
for which they receive an annuity of $2960, being from $9 to $10 per 
head of their whole population. 



214 

The New England Company, at an early period, interested itself in the 
temporal and spiritual welfare of the Indians ; and have done much towards 
the amelioration of their condition, irrespective of creed or locality. Their 
agent is invariably a clergyman of some christian denomination. The 
Rev. Mr. Scott at first acted in this capacity to the Indians of this county, 
and on his death, in 1837, the Rev. John Gilmour was appointed by the 
company to this charge. Although both of these bands have adopted the 
Methodist form of belief, and are usually supplied by ministers of that 
church, the Rev. Mr. Gilmour continues to visit each village alternately, 
preaching at Rice lake once in four weeks, and at Chemong lake once in 
two weeks. This is done by means of an interpreter — Mr. James McCue, 
— who resides at Rice lake. 

It is remarkable of both these bands that their natural increase is bare- 
ly sufficient to make good the losses by death ; so that their numbers main- 
tain an uniformity which could hardly be predicated of any other people 
under like circumstances. 

Rice Lake Indians. — According to official returns, published a few 
years ago, the Rice lake Indians occupy 1550 acres of land, of which 1120 
were granted in 1834 "to Trustees for the benefit of the Indian tribes of 
the Province, and with a view to their conversion and civilization." These 
trustees are, His Lordship, Bishop Bethune, the Rev. John Gilmour, Capt. 
Charles Rubidge, R. N., and Robert Dennistoun, Esq. The Rev. Mark 
Burnham has just been chosen successor to one of their number, who re- 
sides at Kingston. 

The Rice lake Indians subsequently purchased 430 acres of land ; and 
200 more in Otonabee are held in trust for the joint benefit of the Rice 
lake and Mud lake Indians. 

Their village, to which the name of Hiawatha has beeih given, is pleas- 
antly situated on the northern shore of Rice lake, adjacent to the Cobourg 
and Peterborough railway, which passes through a portion of their prop- 
erty. Their land is of excellent quality, and well adapted for agricultural 
pursuits. 

The number of the Rice lake Indians, a few years ago, was in all 145. 
Of late they have slightly diminished. Their village contains 26 houses, 
mostly of logs, and 13 out-houses. There is a frame church, in which a 
resident Methodist minister regularly preaches, through the interpreter 
already mentioned. An effort is now being made to erect a neat brick 



215 

church, which is likely to prove successful. There are also a school house 
and a school teacher's residence. The Methodist body largely supports 
this school, which is under the Common School system. Its attend- 
ance averages about twenty, a considerable number of which are whites. 

Of late years the New England Company has ottered premiums for 
the best crops, and garden vegetables. In 1866, $38.75 were distributed 
in this way as an encouragement to industry. 

Hiawatha has a Post Office of the same name, and also a small general 
store. 

The Chemong Lake Indians. — This band occupies a tract of 1600 
acres, on a peninsula of the township of Smith. It is deeded to the New 
England Company, in fee simple, in trust, for the benefit of the Indians. 
About 200 acres are cleared. This was done by the company, who in 
former years attempted to farm it. This system has been discontinued, 
and the land is now divided into little plots for the use and occupation of 
each family separately. 

During the last thirty years, they have increased about two per cent ; 
and in 1865 their entire population was 140. They have now 14 or 15 
houses. Their soil is less fertile than that of the Rice lake Indians ; and 
they cultivate it but sparingly, finding their chief occupation in hunting 
and fishing. They shew but little disposition to imitate the husbandry 
and thrift of the whites, and even that useful animal, the cow, is compara- 
tively rare among them. The Chemong lake Indians have a good church, 
a frame building, on a stone foundation, and besides the regular ministra- 
tions of the Rev. Mr. Grilmour, they are visited periodically by the resident 
Methodist minister at Lakefield. They have a day school, with an average 
of about 20 pupils, to which is attached a boarding house, in which about 
ten young Indians, male and female, of from 8 to 14 years of age, are fed, 
clothed and taught. A few of these are from the Rice lake band. From 
1838 until 1843, their school was conducted by James Edwards, Esq., 
our present Town Clerk ; and during the last 16 or 17 years, it has been 
under the able superintendence of Mr. and Mrs, Schofield. 

A small farm is carried on in connection with the school, on which 
enough is raised materially to aid in its maintenance, and to feed 45 
sheep and a few cows ; which in their turn prove sources of profit to their 
owners. 



216 
CHAPTER XXXIII. 



PETEKBOROUGH VOLUNTEER FORCE. 



THE ROLL OF HONOR 



The following are the names of the officers and privates of the several 
companies of Peterborough Volunteers, who rushed to arms in June, 1866, 
for the defence of the Province against Fenian invasion : — 

PETERBOROUGH RIFLE COMPANY. 

Captain Edwin Poole,* Lieutenant H. C. Rogers,* Ensign Theo- 
dore B. Clement!,* Color-Sergeant William Johnson,* Sergeants William 
Logan, J. I'. Davidson*, Thomas Burke*, Corporal Edward Cookson,* 
George Stevenson, Erasmus Green,* Bugler Edward Green, 

Privates David Arnott, Henry Anderson, Douglass G. Bell, David 
Breeze, William Clifford, John Craig, Richard P. Cook, George Hazle- 
hurst, Robert Donnelly*, Henry Eastland, George Fisher, John Green, 
Peter Gifford, A. G. Gilbert, John Irwin, George Kingdon, Hiram Lith- 
gow, George H. May, John Madden, Hugh McMann, John McMillan, 
Henry McNeil, John McWilliams, Samuel Montgomery, James Roseboro, 
Thomas C. Nicholls, William F. Orde, John Roche, John Montgomery, 
Thomas Rutherford, John Sawers, Robert J. Stutt, Alfred Schofield, Geo. 
Stenton, Edward Tully, Robert Thompson, Egerton Walton, William 
English, David English, F. H. Knapp, Samuel Montgomery, H. Nesbett, 
D. McFarlane, 



PETERBOROUGH INFANTRY COMPANY NO. 1. 

Captain John Kennedy*, Lieutenant William N. Kennedy*, Ensign 
John W. Kennedy,* Color- Sergeant Alexander Morrow, Sergeants Wil- 
liam McDonnell, James C. Kennedy, and John W. Bell. Corporals 
Joseph Graham, Ezekiel James Nesbett, William Langford, Charles H. 
Sweeting. Lance Corporals George B. Perry, William E. James, John 
W. Miller, Harry Rush, John Mclntyre. Bugler Harry Philp. 

* Promoted, temporarily, during aotive service. 



217 

Privates John Alexander. William Anthony. William F. Armstrong, 
John Armstrong, Peter Arnott, James H. Albro, Robert Boswell, 
John E. Barnes, James Brickly, Orlando Clarke, George Cronn, Lewis 
De Finney, Edward B. Edwards. Thomas Fisher, Robert Ferguson, 
William E. Geegan, Henry T. Gleeson, Samuel Glass, Henry Glover, 
Isaac Hodge, William Hodge, Matthew Johnston, Isaac Kennedy, Patrick 
Kennedy, Dawson Kennedy, John Kiley, John King, David L. Law"*, 
Alfred Law, Wm. Larmer, William Lundy, John Matehett, Montgomery 
Neithercut, John Norton, Richard Purser, Geo. B. Palmer, John Rush*. 
Frank Rickey, Richard Sanderson, William Scollie, Joseph Schofield. 
William Stevens. Francis Ware, Egcrton Whitfield, John Winterbottom, 
Daniel Perry, Lewis Young, Thomas McCauley, Newcombe Loucks, 
Fred. Mitchell, Joseph H. Kennedy*. (Military School, ) Drill Instructor. 

* Promoted, temporarily, during active service. 



ASHBUKNHAM LIGHT INFANTRY COMPANY. 

This Company was called to the front in March, 1866, at which time 
Major R. D. Rogers was Captain. H. T. Strickland, Lieutenant, and J. Z, 
Rogers, Ensign. Major Rogers and Lieutenant Strickland having soon 
after resigned, the several commissions were held as follows at the period 
of active service in June, 1866 : — 

Captain J. Z. Rogers, Acting-Lieutenant R. 55. Rogers, Ensign .John 
Burnham, (since promoted to be Lieutenant. Sergeants C. W. Gage. 
Thomas Armstrong, William S. Deacon, Charles Philp, George Brown. 
Corporals Walter Ainsley, John Gow, Evans J. Hair. 

Privates James Armstrong, William Armstrong, John C. Baker, David 
Brownlee, James Baxter, David Brown, Thomas Brown, William Bab- 
©ock*, Thomas Cathcart, Robert Campbell, Duncan Campbell, Thomas 
Crawford, J. D. Collins, Jas. Ciegg, C. S. Dudman*. (now Ensign) Thos. 
Douglass, William Douglass, Jesse Grey, Robert Graham, Edward H, 
Gahan, John Haggart, Robert W. Hall, James Hair, Job Humphries. 
James Johnston, Philip Jackson, John Kempt, Irwin King, Charles 
Kirby, Joseph Kirby, John Law, Peter Launderville, William Lucas, 
Richard Lean, John Lynn, John Mowry, John Middleton, Wm. B. S, 

* Since promoted, 

29 



218 

Metthias, William McGregor, 8r.', William McGregor, Jr., David McKin- 
ley, Thorn;;* McQuoi, Matthew McCue, Thomas Patterson, Harry Rich- 
alttedn, Chas. ifoabidge, Fred. Rubidge*, R. M. Shephard, Geo. Stethasi, 
Sidney Smith, Jr., David Scott, James Tighe. Joseph Vuloisc, Robert 
Wright, William Whitla, Stewart Weight. 

* Since promoted. 

LAKE FIELD INFANTRY COMPANY. 

Captain Edward Leigh, Lieutenant Charles Bowker, Ensign George 
Sheppee, Assistant-Surgeon Alexander Bell, Hospital Sergeant George 
Sheffield. Sergeants William Sharpe, Alexander Tharp, David Rae, 
Henry Mellor. Corporals John Todd, Samuel Jamieson, Thomas 
Gordon, Joseph Ball. 

Privates Frank Bowker, Chas. Bay ley, George Bolton, William Brurn- 
mel, Robert Cassidy, John Carveth, John Crawford, Alexander Fairbairn, 
Albert Frost, John Fitzgerald, Alexander Fitzgerald, Edward Fitzgerald, 
Isaac Garbutt, Thomas Hill, David Hillman, Edward Hunter, William 
Hunter, John Jeffry, Adam Knox, William Leonard, David Lynn, Wil- 
liam Maidens, David Mann, Charles Portsmouth, Mark Porter, George 
Pottles, George Ray, William Sage, John Stewart, Thomas Wallace, W. 
Wallace, John Watson, Augustus Wiggin, Andrew Wilson, Edward 
Wilkins, John Staples. 



OTHER VOLUNTEER COMPANIES. 



The following are the names of officers and privates of other Volunteer 
Companies in the Town and County, organized since June, 1866, who 
have not yet been called to active service ; but who, on an emergency, 
would no doubt exhibit the same alacrity to meet the foe, and the same 
heroism at the post of danger, which characterized the officers and men 
of the Companies already enumerated : — 

PETERBOROUGH INFANTRY COiMPANY NO. 2. 

Captain, The Hon. Sidney Smith, Lieutenant Jacob Green, M. S., 
Ensign Henry H. Smith, M.S., Color- Sergeant Alfred Leach, Sergeants 
Sidney Smith, Jr., Hugh D. Stoddart, William J. Green. Corporals 
Wesley Morrow, Alex. Gillespie, Christopher Armstrong, John Patterson. 
Bugler Benjamin J. Green, Jr. 



210 

Privates John A. W. Hat top, James Haggart, William Blatchibrd., 
John Campbell, Robert Craig, Thomas Tremaine, William Campbell, Jas. 
Fox, John Camerie, Wm. Green, Wm. Taylor, James Kinmouth, John 
Kinmouth, James Lang, James. L. Hughes, Thomas Tate, Wm. C. Holy- 
well, Porterfield Wareham, Fredk. Scobell, Robert Lee, Gordon Wright, 
Walter Beal, George Cairnes, Thomas McKee, George McComb, Richard 
Reid, James Graham, Joseph Graham, Samuel Seens, James Johnston, 
Daniel Milliken, James McComb, John Kent, Edward Eastland, Thomas 
Simpson, Thomas Oakley, Robert Wilson, Isaac Nurse, John Smith, 
Robert Reid, Benjamin White, Wm. Chambers, Charles L. Coulter, Peter 
Londerville. 



NORWOOD INFANTRY COMPANY. 

Captain Robert Wigmore*, Lieutenant Thomas M. Grover, Ensign H. 
Matthew Vars. Color- Sergeant Thomas F. Riggs, Sergeants Thos. H. 
Dewart, R. H. McGill, Corporals A. Morrison, Thomas P. Pearce. M. 
Nicoll. Bugler Thomas Fraser. 

Privates Robt. Adams, W. Andrews. J. Andrews, J. Bannon, F. Bate- 
son, C. Buck, James Calder, — Comstock, John Cunningham, Alexander 
Foster, Wm. Glynn, John Harper, Jr., — Hewson, James Higgins, John 
Higgins, — Humphries, Wm. Hutcheson, — Jakes, — Lynn, Bristow 
MofFat, Jr., John Murray, Robt. McCasky, — McFadden, Jas. McLaugh- 
lan, R. H. McLaughlan, Duncan McLaughlan, John McPherson, — Nicoll, 
Edward Patterson, Alexander Patterson, — Perie, James Rae, Jesse 
Robertson, John Scott, C. Smith, W. Seabrooks, E. Southworth, Mat 
thew Switzer, — Wasseu, A. Wigmore, S. Wigmore, William WilliamsoE, 
David Fitzpatrick, J. W. Pearce, — Bannon, William McCasky, 

* S;ince deceased, and Lieutenant Grover promoted to be Captain. 



HASTINGS INFANTRY COMPANY. 

Captain Henry Fowlds, Lieutenant Henry H. Humphries, Ensign 
Robert Huston. 

Privates Wm. McConnell, J. A. Howard, J. C. Brown, Joseph A. Fife, 
H.^B. 3iorton, Henry Bently, John Mason, Thos. Learmouth, Daniel Huff, 

29* 



220 

Isaac Thorns, J. C. Fraser, Hugh Collins, James Campbell, W. J. Harrison, 
M. C. Clarke, 8. J. Kemp, Thomas MeKee, S. D. Griffis, M. R. Elmhirst, 
Harry Morton, Andrew Collins, Thomas W. Carr, J. E. Hilton, Thomas 
McMillen, Paul Huff, Willet C. Potter, George W. Bush, John Shears, 
John O'Regan, A. M. Cuffe, H. S. West, Cornelius Huycke, John Pitt. 
Win. M. Boyd, A. Flemming, John Brick, S. West, William Hill, Thos. 
E. Lobb, Thos. Gilchrist, Warner Lobb, Geo. Green, Wm. Ferry, Henry 
Clarke, Reuben Wannamaker, Rosh W. Harrison, Daniel Tierney, N. D. 
Robertson, John Lobb, John Brakenridge, David Anderson, John Teviot- 
dale, Urton Hill. Carleton Clifford, Richard Stewart, 



SPRINGVILLK INVANTKY COMPANY. 

( kiptain John Dundas, Lieutenant Allan Cathcart, Ensign Win. McCamus, 
Sergeants William Mclndoo, Samuel Graydon, Edward Archer, Corporal* 
Hugh B. Mehany, David Walsh, John W. Seany. Bugler Cornelius Mahony. 

Privates John Armstrong, Robert Allister, James Atchinson, David At- 
ehinson, William Bennet, Francis Beavis, William Bone, Richard Coe, Adam 
Douglas, Robert Dunlop, Thomas Dunlop, David Dewart, James Eastwood, 
William Fisher, Valentine Fair, James Ferguson, Edward Gent, Andrew 
Goodfellow, William Goodfellow, James Howden, John Howden, Robert 
Huston, William Lytle, Thomas Lytle, John Little, James Mahony, Hugh 
Mehany, William McNeil, James McCamus, Moses McCamus, Wm. McBain, 
Charles McCall, Robert McBrien, Richard McBrien, George Muncrief, John 
Pake, William Patterson, John Smyth, Edward Shields, John Shields, Wm. 
Trotter, George Trotter, Edward Taylor, David Wright, John Wright, Thos. 
Wright, Arthur White, Thomas Whitfield. 




THE PUBLIC LANDS 

OF 

CANADA. 

The Public Lands of Canada are sold by local Crown Land Agents in 
the several Counties and Districts; to whom applications for purchase by 
intending settlers should be made. With sonic few exceptions they are 
sold in Upper Canada for cash at 70 cents an acre, and on time at one 
dollar an acre j and in Lower Canada at from 20 to 60 cents, one-fifth to be 
paid at the time of sale, and the remaining four-fifths in four equal annual 
instalments, with interest at 6 per cent, on the unpaid purchase money. 

These sales are made subject to settlement duty, and to current timber 
licenses for the year. Purchasers of Public Lands not under license, being 
actual settlers with certain improvements, can obtain license from the 
respective Crown Land Agents, or Crown Timber Agents, to cut and dis- 
pose of the timber growing on the lots purchased by them ; the value of 
the timber so cut and disposed of being applied in payment of the purchase 
money due the Crown, 



CROWN TIMBER REGULATIONS. 

The sale and management of timber on the Public Lands are governed 
by the Statute, Con. Stats, of Canada, 22 Vic. Cap. 23, and by the Reg- 
ulations under it, sanctioned by His Excellency the Governor General in 
Council. Licenses for vacant berths are offered for sale at Public Auction 
on such dates as the Commissioner of Crown Lands may fix by Public 
Notice, at an upset price of four dollars a square mile, or other rate as he 
may fix, and are awarded to the highest bidder making immediate pay- 
ment. See the Regulations themselves for information as to ground rent, 
size of berths, renewals, forfeitures, rates of duty on Timber, &c. 



WOODS AND FOBESTS. 



Department of Crown Lands. 

Ottawa, 20th July, 1866. 

With reference to the Crown Timber Regulations of the 13th June, 
1866, notice is hereby given that the following Officers are the Crown 
Timber Agents duly authorised for the granting of Timber Licenses, and 
the collecting of Timber Revenue, to whom all application's for such Li- 
censes or Renewals of Licenses within the respective Agencies should be 
addressed. 

A. J. Russell, Ottawa, for the Upper Ottawa Territory. 

J. F. Way, Belleville, for the Ontario Territory, 

J. R. Nash, Toronto, for the Huron and Superior and Peninsula of 
Canada West Territories. 

C. E. Belle, Montreal, for the Lower Ottawa Territory. 

A. Dubord, Three Rivers, for the St. Maurice Territory. 

G. J. Naglc, St. Hyacinthe, for the St. Francis Territory. 

G. Duberger, Chicoutimi, for the Saguenay Territory. 

C. Dawson, Riviere du Loup en Bas, County of Temiscouta, for the 
Chaudiere and Madawaska Territory. 

C. T. Dube, Trois Pistoles, for the Lower St. Lawrence Territory. 

J. N. Verge, Carlcton, County of Bonaventure, for the Bai des Cha- 
leurs Territory. 

A. CAMPBELL, Commissioner. 



MINERAL LANDS. 

Department of Crown Lands. 

Ottawa, loth July, 1866. 

Regulations for the sale of Mineral Lands approved by His Excel 
lency the Governor General in Council. 

inferior metals. 

1. That each regular mining tract in unsurveyed territory shall consist 
of blocks of two hundred or four hundred acres. 

2. That the dimensions of each regular mining tract of four hundred 
acres be forty chains in front by one hundred chains in depth, and smaller 
tracts, except on lakes and rivers, in the same proportion. The bearings of 
the outlines to be North and South, and East and West, astronomically, 
in the unorganized territories in Upper Canada and parallel to the outlines 
of the townships elsewhere. 

3. That mining tracts bordering upon lakes and rivers shall have their 
frontage upon such waters, and shall be subject in all cases to the public 
rights in navigable or floatable waters ; and that mining tracts, so situated, 
shall have a mean depth of one hundred chains back from such river or 
lake, (exclusive of road allowance of one chain in width, which shall be 
reserved along the margin of such river or lake,) in conformity with the 
above mentioned bearings. 

4. That mining tracts in unsurveyed territory shall be surveyed by a 
Provincial Land Surveyor, and connected with some known point in pre- 
vious surveys, (so that the tract may be laid down on the office maps of 
the territory) at the cost of the applicants, who shall be required to furnish 
with their application the surveyor's plan, field notes, and descriptions 
thereof in accordance with the foregoing regulations, and to the satisfaction 
of the Department, and pay the price of one dollar per acre into the De- 
partment of Crown Lands at the time of making application. 

5. That in surveyed townships, lots presenting indications of minerals, 
be sold on the above conditions, "but at not less than one dollar per acre 
in any township, and at the same price as the other lands in the township 
when it is more than one dollar per acre. 

6. That mining lands in surveyed townships be sold by the local agents 
for cash, but nil lands in unsurveyed territory shall be sold by the Department. 

7. The above regulations do not apply to mines of gold and silver. 

GOLD AND SILVER. 

8. That in selling the lands in the gold mining divisions, the Depart- 
ment is to discriminate as far as practicable between purchasers for actual 
settlement, bona fide, and those for mining or speculative purposes ; selling 
to the former for the present prices and terms, (subject to an increase to 
82 an acre, under the order of 8th August, 1864. when actually worked 
for gold.) and to the latter for one dollar an acre — cash. 

9. That in all Letters Patent for lands, the clause reserving all mines 
of gold and silver be omit ted, 

10. All previous regulations inconsistent with the above are cancelled. 

A, CAMPBELL, Commissioner. 
33* 



PARRY SOUND SETTLEMENT. 



Latitude about that of Montreal. 
The Parry Sound District may be described as embracing that section 
of country bounded by French river on the North ; the Rousseau and Ni- 
pissing Road line on the last ; Lakes Rousseau. St. Joseph, and other 
smaller lakes stretching to the South | and the waters of the Georgian Bay 
on the West. 

This section containing a large proportion of very fair land lit for set- 
tlement. A road line has been explored and carefully located, leading in 
almost a direct line from the head of Rousseau Lake to the mouth of 
South river at Lake Nipissing, called the Rousseau and Nipissing road. 

A road line forming a junction with the Muskoka road, and intersecting 
the Rousseau road close to the lake of that name, and continuing in a 
North- West direction to the village of Parry Sound, called the Parry 
Sound road. 

A road line from Parry Sound in a Northerly direction crossing the 
Maganetewan and French rivers, and continued to form a junction with 
the Great Northern road at Waddell's mills. 

These lines, and the explorations connected therewith, have developed 
large tracts of land well calculated for successful agricultural settlement. 
On the Parry Sound road grant lots have been surveyed throughout, and 
the following Townships, bordering upon or embracing the road, have been 
sub-divided, namely, — Watt, Cardwell, Humphrey, Foley and McDougall. 

The Township of Watt is almost entirely settled, and along the whole 
length of the road, and in the other Townships named, settlement is ac- 
tively progressing. This road has been opened and completed for travel 
in a substantial and superior manner, so that Lake Rousseau can be 
readily reached from the Sound, and vice versa in one day's travel. 

On the first line named, road operations .were commenced last season, 
and it is expected the ensuing summer will witness its completion as far 
as the Maganetewan river. On this river the land is unusually good. It 
is described as a rich loamy clay, covered with fine hardwood, free from 
stones, and unbroken by ridges and ravines. Further on the line also, 
fair average and superior land exists in very large' proportions, so much so, 
that the good laud is described as embracing a proportion of from seventy 
to seventy- five per cent, of the whole. 



The Northern road passes through some tracts of excellent land, and 
settlement is fast proceeding in this direction also. 

The facilities afforded for ingress to this country arc unusually great. 
In the summer season the intending settler has the choice of three routes. 
He can proceed from Toronto to Collingwood by rail, and thence by 
steamboat every Monday, direct to Parry Sound, the latter distance being 
about seventy miles. At Parry Sound there is already the nucleus of a 
handsome and thriving village, with mills, stores and church. This is one 
terminus of the Parry Sound road which here crosses the Seguin river by 
a handsome and substantial truss bridge, and enters the main street of the 
village. Mr. Beatty, the proprietor of the mill, and the founder of the 
village resides here, and offers liberally every assistance in his power to in- 
dustrious settlers. Abundant supplies of clothing, provisions, and imple- 
ments are also to be found here, which can be had at Toronto prices, with 
the addition of freight charges. 

Mr. Wakefield, the Crown Land Agent for the District, also resides 
here. 

The second route is from Toronto to Bell Ewart by rail, from thence to 
Orillia and Washago mill, at the foot of lake Couchiching, by steamboat, 
thence fourteen miles by stages running daily to Muskoka bay on the lake 
of the same name, and thence by Mr. Cockburn's new and excellent 
steamer to the Indian village at the narrows between the above lake and 
lake Rousseau, and thence by open boats to the Rousseau and Parry 
Sound roads. 

The third route is by "the above line as far as Washago, thence by the 
Muskoka and Parry Sound roads to the head of Rousseau lake, and 
thence 22 miles to Parry Sound. 




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GOOD 

FARMING LANDS 

IN 

€ AM ABA WEST, 

AT 

ONE DOLLAR PER ACRE. 



GRE AT 

Advantages Offered to Settlers. 

For partculars apply to 

C. J. BLOMFIELD, 

Secretary Canadian Land and Emigration Company, 

Toronto Bank Buildings. 

TORONTO, C. W. 

Toronto, January 2nd, 1867. 






MONTREAL HOUSE 

PETERBOROUGH. 



CONSTANTLY RECEIVING LARGE ASSORTMENTS OF 

STAPLE AND FANCY DRY GOODS, 

purchased in the best markets, and sold at 

THE LOWEST POSSIBLE ADVANCE. 



-O- 



FL1ASE CALX, & IXAM1SI THE STOCK 

Before purchasing elsewhere. 



o — 



—ALSO— 

READY-MADE CLOTHING 

IN GREAT VARIETY AND AT 

VERY LOW PRICES. 



-0- 



WORK WARRANTED GOOD. 

An Experienced Tailor always on the Premises. 

OTHTO MAM& OT> TO (DBMS 

IN THE 

BEST STYLE AND ON THE SHORTEST NOTICE. 

— o 

N, B.— Agent for Warner's Celebrated Sewing Machines. 

HEftlElVlBEB THE PLACE.— 

Montreal House, Peterborough. 

January. 1867. 

St) 



JAMES BEST, 

Keep^ constantly on hand 

a labge and well assorted stock 

:ea 

Staple I Fancy Dry Woods, 



and invitee the Public u> 

CALL AND EXAMINE FO& THEMSELVES 

before purchasing elsewhere. Hi* 

STOCK OF GROCERIES 

15 ALSO 

1M ft I V H 3 V 
VERY COMPtiETE. 

All of which will be sold at 

RE A S ON ABLE PRICE S. 



Particular attention given to the selection of TEAS. 



One Door South of James Stevensoiis. 

GEORGE STREET. 
PETERBOBOUGH. 

January, J 867. 



MILLAR, 

WHOLESALE & RETAIL 

ARDWARE MERCHANT, 

Offers for Sale, on the BEST TERMS and LOWEST PRICES, 
a large and varied assortment of 

MATTY ATVTft ^n^T¥ HAUTiWAUlF 

IRON AND STEEL. 
U^K^ Tools of every description. 

Paints, < >iU Glass and Putty, Builders' Hardware, &c, to which he would 
invite the attention of Farmers and the public gendrally. 

REMEMBER THE PLACE : 

SIGN OF THE 




Golden Anvil. 

George Street, Peterboro'. 



JOHN DOHARTY, 

Lati Doharty & ffanlon, ) 

Carriage and Waggon Factory, 

AND GENERAL 



HORSE SHOEING, REPAIRING, Ac. 

DONE ON THE SHORTEST NOTICE, 

At O'Brien's Old Stand, Hunter Street, 

PETERBOROUGH. 

jj®* A Large Number of Waggons, I larriages. Buggies, Sleighs, Cutters? 
Harrows, &c, of the Best Material and Workmanship, always 
on h and and SOLD CHEAP FOR CASH. 
30 



W. CLUXTON, 



DEALER IN 



Fancy & Staple Dry (Um\> 



Both FOREIGN and DOMESTIC. 



DiLyieiiiBV. @il®m 



&c.„ &c. ALSO. 




V 



Choice Family Teas, Sugars, fa. 



Buyers will find at all times in this Establishm- in GOOD VALUI 

For their MONEY. 



J&- 



The STOCK LAEoE and PRICES are Low. 



January, 1867. 



W. CLUXTON 



Oeorce Street, Peterborough. 



groceries and Provisions ! 



JOHN MOLONEY 



is still holding out at bis OLD STAND, 

No. 3, Burnham's Block, George Street, 

Where will be found the usual Choice assortment of 

s Coffees & General Groceries 

Also, a First Rate Supply of 

ma» mm w*r 9 wn a m \mmL 



Where will 

Teas, Sugars, 



£*iT COUNTRY PRODUCE taken in Exchange for Goods, and the 
Highest Market Price allowed. 



PATRICK GALVIN, 

Carriage and Waggon Factory, 



AND 



GENERAL BLACKSMITHING. 



Ullill. VJMMl 

Carts, Barrows, Harrows, &c, &c, constantly on 
hand, and made to order. 

Only Superior Workmen Employed, 

And the BEST MATERIAL USED. 

&£T All work Warranted. Horse-shoeing and repairing done to order 
and in all cases promptly attended to. Remember the place: Hunter 
Street, two doors west of J. Doharty s Stand, reterboro'. 

Peterboro', January 1st, 1866. PATRICK GALVIN. 

30* 




W.G. THOMSON & Co 



Millinery and Dry Goods ! 

D1PORTERS and Wholesale and Retail dealers in BONNETS, HATS. 

FLOWERS, 

faGKrewaa ism ®mmn mi ®m&* 

FIRST CLASS 

IHillmery and Mantle Rooms ! 

Connected with the Establishment, 

GEORGE STREET, PETERBORO'. 




John McClelland, 

(SUCCESSOR TO T. BROWN, ) 

Watch Maker, Jeweler jfcc. 

Stevenson's Block, George Street, Peterborough . 

Begs to intimate to the Public of Peterborough, that he keeps constantly on 

hand, a Choice Assortment of 

IIKl. WAf §111, IEWI&E 

FANCY GOODS, &c, Ac. 

Intending Purchasers will do well to Examine Ins Stock before 
purchasing elsewhere. 



furniture, Cabinet Ware and Upholstery. 



Superior Bed Room Sets, Parlour Furniture &c. CHAIRS in 
great variety, Book Cases, Side Boards, 

IS* BUREAUS, TABLES, MATRASSES, 

Looking Glasses, Gilt Mouldings, &c. 
PeterboroyJan. 2nd, 1867, GEORGE TANNER. 




I. ROBINSON & Co. 



Invite attention to their Large Stock of 

DRY GOODS, GROCERIES, 



READY MADE CLOTHING 



imf 



% 



© 



ALSO, 



CLOTHING MADE TO ORDER 

In the Newest Style and Best Manner. 



T. DONNELLY. 

IX £3c <M> cL M XI* OX £1 XJoH UTdEMBliUL X V eQaXiXX!* X X y 

TRUNKS,VALISES ? BAGS, 

SATCHELS, WHIPS, dfcc. 

H^gf 5 ' Collars Warranted 

A splendid Stock, luirivalled in Cheapness. 




Peterboro', Jan. 2nd, 1867. 



THOS, DONNELLY 



General Groceries, Dry Goods, 



AND 

mm) 9MMMgt% 



M. MOLONEY, 

Would invite his numerous Customers in Town and Country, to examine 

his Stock of DRY GOODS, GROCERIES and READY-MADE CLOTHL\< i. 

Selected from the Best and Cheapest Markets, which he offers for sale <>n as 

Good Terms as any other Establishment in Peterborough. 



Kept on the Premises, and a Perfect Fit Guarantee' I for all Clothing 

Made to Order. 
REMEMBER THE PLACE: George Street, Peterboro', immediately 
opposite Stevenson's Stove and Tin Shop. 
January, 186T. M. MOLONEY, 

SAMUEL WHITE, 



BOOT 



SHOE 




AND 



MAKE 



Mrs. Dixon's New Block, 3rd door South ofJas. Stevenson' 
GE0KGE STREET, PETERBOROUGH, 

Has always on hand a large and varied stock; expressly manufactured for 
this market, under his own inspection. 

LADIES' WORK FOR ALL SEASONS 



AND MADE OF THE BEST MATERIAL. 



HELM'S 



ndry & Machine Shop. 




The subscriber begs to intimate to his customers, that he is still at the 

OLD STAND, SIMCOE ST. 

SOLE MAKER OF 

HilVs Celebrated Steel Ploughs, 

The Patent for which he has secured for the County. He is now prepared 

. to make to order 

STEAM ENGINES AND BOILERS, 

Grist and, Saw Jflill Machinery, 

ILMJMP & 3HIIAW ©AOTIMM 

OF ALL DESCRIPTIONS. 

All kinds of Castings thatare usually found in a FIRST-CLASS ESTABLISH- 
MENT kept constantly on hand. 

Brass Castings of all descriptions made to order. 

All kinds of 

REPAIRING PROMPTLY ATTENDED TO. 

Patterns- in general use furnished Free of Charge. 

WILLIAM HELM, 

Simcoe Street, Peterborough. 



WILLIAM BELL, 

(Licentiate of Apothecaries' Hall, London, England. , 

CHEMIST and DRUGGIST, 

George Street, 2 door* North oj Mr, Clnxton's, Peterboro, 

Genuine Drugs, Chemicals, Patent Medicines, Dye Stuffs, 
Perfumery, Hair, Nail and Tooth Brushes, Fancy Soaps, &c. 
Pennsylvania Eock Oil by Barrel or Gallon, a general assort- 
ment of Coal Oil Lamps and Fittings of Latest Patterns. 

Prescriptions Carefully Prepared at all Hours. 



















J. O'DONNELL, D. S. 

c over Ormond & Gilmoui ■'.- Drugstore, 
GEORGE ST BEIT. 



mv&<&m^^<&m 



THOS. LANNIN, 

Practical Tin and Copper Smith, 

Plumber and Bell Hanger, Manufacturer of all 

i kinds of Tin, Sheet Iron and Copper Wan-, and 

Dealer in all kinds of 

Cooking, Box and Parlour Stoves, 

Furnaces and Agricultural Furnaces for Farmers' 
use, the largest and best assorted stock in 
Peterborough. I Wc< s I r ery Reasonable. 

THOMAS LANNIN, 

George Street, -nearly opposite T. Menzie's Book Store. 





:i is 




P 



john mm, 



IMPORTED k DEALER IN 



Staple & Fancy 



DRY GOODS. 



WHOLESALE AND RETAIL 



George Street, 



PETERBOROUGH 



■ 



ONTARIO BANK, 



WATER STREET, 



PETERBOROUGH 



( NEAR THE POST OFFICE. ) 

A jwvmtftf Bwilt Depmimmf Attached. 

Interest on Deposit in Savings' Bank Department at Four per Cent 

per Annnnt, 

D, ft EASTWOOD. 

Manager. 
Peterboro', December. 1866. 

30* 



The "Peterborough Review, 

PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY. 

BY ROBERT KOMAINE. 

Mo. 4. MARKET BLOCK. PETERBORO'. 
Subscription £2.00 Per Annum : or if paid Is • Advance $1.50. 



41 y 



BLANK BOOKS 

OF 

EVERY DESCRIPTION OF RULING, 

WITH 

PRINTED HEADINGS, 

MADE TO ORDER ON SHORT NOTICE. 



None but First-class Workmen employed, and the very best 

Material used. 



W* CHARGES MODERATE. ^>' 



MAGAZINES, PERIODICALS, MUSIC, AND 

EVERY OTHER DESCRIPTION of BOOKS BOUNOto ORDER 



230%. JlSS 333 SSiSSWISft 

Neatly and expeditiously executed at Low Rates. Jgp-Remember the 
address. No. 4 Market Block. George Street, next door to W. Lundy. 



FREDERICK HEUBACK, 

Oahmet-Maker and Upholsterer. 

FURNITURE WAREROOMS. 

V large and select *tock of Sofas, Bureaus, Sideboards, Chairs. Bedsteads. 

Toilet Stands, &c., &c, 

MADE OF THE BEST MATERIAL, 

AND AT THE 

CHEA.FEST IRITIS. 

George Street, second door above Brock Street, 
PETERBOROUGH. 

JOHN DOUGLAS, 

(Late J. & T. Douglas) has opened a 

•. 

New Carriage & Waggon Factory 

On Bethune Street, about 100 yards West of the old stand, 

Where First Class Buggies, Carriages, "Waggons, Sleighs, <fec., <fee., will be 
• kept on hand or made to order 

OF THE BEST MATERIAL, 
CHEAP FOR CASH, 

All kinds of* Blaeksmitliiiig 

PROMPTLY ATTENDED TO. 

JOHN DOUGLAS, 

January, 1S67. 



YOU CAN BUY A FAR 



Superior 








LESS MOSTIY 



Than vou will have to Pav for an Inferior one 



elsewhere. 

Next Door to McGregors Hotel 



PATRICK HAFFEY. 



Peterborough, 186T. 



ROYAL INSURANCE COMFY, 

FIRE AND LIFE. 
CAPITAL, - - £2,000,000* 



ALEXANDER SMITH, 

Agent for Peterborough. 



The Standard Life Assurance Co. 

ACCUMULATED FUND, - - - $17,771,523. 
ANNUAL INCOME, ----- 3,217,815. 



DR. MoNABB, 

Medical Referee. 



ALEXANDER SMITH, 
Agent for Peterborough. 



WII 
a miMi a ww raw ww "*»■ wwa aw* ^v wwwb a 

(GEORGE STREET. PETERBOEO\ DEALfE? IN 

Groceries and Provisions, 

KEEPS constantly on hand all kinds of Groceries, which will be sold as 
low as any house in the trade. Provisions of all descriptions, Pork, 

Oats. Peas. Beans. Barley. Potatoes, Butter, Lard, 

COMMEAI, OATMEAL, AND FLOUR. 

Also a LARGE STOCK OF CIGARS, which will be sold to Tavern-keepers 

at lower rates than thev can purchase from Pedlars. . (Jool Oil, Retail, 35c. 

per gallon, lower rate by the barrel. 

ON MEM ATM TERM* 



R. THOMPSON I SUN, 



Photographers, &c 



• » 



OPPOSITE NICHOLLS & HALLS, 

SIMCOE STREET, 

PETERBOROUGH. 

J. T. HENTHORN, ESQ., 

Justice of the Peace. 

OFFICE, HENTHORN'S BLOCK, HUNTER ST. 



9 ** • 



WM. MERCER & BROTHER, 

TAILORS AND CLOTHIERS, 

George Street, Peterborough, (\ W. 

.Taiwan- . 1867. 




J. R. ORMOND 

' - on hand a splendid assortment of 

WATCHES, CLOCKS. 

Fewelry, Silverware, Cutlery, 

Meerschaum and oilier Pipes. 

SPECTACLES. 

Satchels, Rubber Goods. 

Concertinas, Combs, Brushes, 

WAI»Mfl«-«AllB$, T®¥S 

&c. &c. 



I M PORTER Q F 

/' - /,, French German & American FANCY GOODS 

Whi - 1 WHOLESALE & RETAIL, 8®T ^.frfa* Owed ««d 

Unpaired. 

HI NfTEB STREET. - - - - 



ETERBOROUGH 



Terrapin ««ia* Restaurant 



T 



■ announce to the public of Peterborough that ho. 
has now opened his 

NEW T3LXJILsIJLElI> ROOM ! 

mtains TWO SLATE BED TABLES, with Improved Cushions, and a 
complete set of New Balls, Cues, &c. The Eoom is now one of the Best and 
Most Comfortablj- Furnished in the Country. 
. - - I eterboro', Jan. 1867. GEORGE CRONN, Proprietor. 

Roval Canadian Bant 

PETERBOROUGH. 

Allows Interest on Current Accounts! 

And on Deposits at the Rate of Four Per Cent. 

Wi. OG'ILVT, Agent. 
31 



A. McDON Alii). 



I) E A L E K I N 



(jrroceriesJ^iiieslIiHiiioi's 



>, CHEAP 



FO]J 




WHOLESALE 



AND 

RETAIL. 



A SPLENDID ASSORTMENT OK 

Teas, Sugars, Coffees, Tobaccos, 

KEPT CONSTANTLY ON HAM), 

Country Merchants, Hotel Keepers and Families requiring 

a supply of the above articles will find this one of the Best 

Assorted Stocks in Peterborough. 

©sas/aip #(sm ®i$m i 

IS THE MOT r ro. 

Please Call before Buying Elsewhere ! 



Peterboro", Jan. 18t>7. 



a. Mcdonald 



GRAHAM & STBATTON 

tationers and Publishers, 

No. L MARKET BLOCK, PETERBORO'. 



:o:-~ 



UONSTANTLY ON HAND. ALL SUCH 

SCHOOL BOOKS 

English* French and Classical, 

As are in general use in the Schools, 

BIBLES. PRAYER BOOKS AND HYMNS ROOKS. 

— AND 

i?.klMl& aMII4lak& ©r Iflll *rj&l&tST tf * 



WifMIim.g' F&jp®ff© ©f aill ID)®s®Mjp4£<0)3ffio 



El 1ST V E T^ C> 1* 133 S 



OF ALL SIZES AND QUALITIES. 



#i ~^»£4 



Photograph Albums of the Best Manufacture 

IX GREAT VARIETY. 



Window Shades and Wall Paper* of the Latest Styles. 

LARGE STOCKS ALWAYS O.N HAND. 



LOVELL'S SERIES OF SCHOOL BOOKS. 



31 






TEAS. I 



r. COLLINS, 




H - cm hand a Large and well <tock <»t' 




Groceries, Crockery, Glass 

WINES & LIQUORS. 
83- CHEAP FOR CASH! 



"0" 



ALL KINDS OF FISH CONSTANTLY ON HAND. 

COUNTRY ffiODlWE OF ALL KINDS BOUGHT £ SOLD. 

Cluxton's Block. George Street. Peterborough, C. W. 



BOOTS 




SHOES 



JOHN S. DR1SC0LL, 

Bool and Shoe Maker 

WTS83WOOD, will 3ell in future ai REL»UCE1» PRICES. 

lid for Hides. Farm Prodin work. J 

hug done neatly and with despatch. A CAL1 50LICJ 



Wfstwood. January. 1867. 



JOHN S. DRISCOLL 



LOftG ARM CHOP 



; 2/nm^&iL3 




&m laatrana, 



TEA WAREHOUSE, 



i Subscriber informs the public that he has commenced business on 

■ i orge Street, in the 

Shop lately occupied by Messrs. Johnston £ Son, 

Where he will keep constantly on hand, and which he will 

SELL FOR READY PAY ONLY ! 

,. LOW PEIOES as any house in Town, 

OP22£I2^<£P C^SSad^^S^ &3<Q>CE>CS»OSL 

\ 

FAMILY GROCERIES 



CONSIST IN LI Ml-' 



Tea*. Coftees. Sugars, Tobaccos, Spices, Fruits, &c. ; Patent 

Pails, Tubs. Wash-Boards, and everything 

usually kept in such establishments. 



-<)>. 



Having liad several years experience in some ot 1 the best houses in the 
rade, both in Canada and the United Sta by strict attention 

and keeping only the best articl< fcock. to merit a share of 

he public patronage. 

Wm. DONNELLY. 




ROBERT HAMILTON 

Imports direct from Sheffield, and keeps constantly on ham 

British; gkermajs and American 

HARDWARE! 

A LARGE STOCK OF 

Shelf and Heavy floods 

in*STAN'i , i J \ oft ha\o 

Among which will li«- found »11 description:? of 

Meebanies Tools, farming Implements & House Furnisbing 

Ironmongery ; Cutlery, Plated Brittania Metal Wares; 

Paints, Oils, Colors and Glass; Straw aiul Hoot 

Cutters: Double and Single Guns & Kstob 

Grmdsto and Patent Friction Roll< i 

and Axles ; all descriptions of Nails. 

sizes and qualities of Iron; 

ENFIELD RIFLES & PATENT BREECH LOADERS 

it, Half ; ■ ; 

Havine adopted th< i in. I am ena 

cus . ms. 

MG2v OF THE CjBCUT.AB SAW, GEORGE StBEI I ETEBBORO 






St. GEORGE'S SALOON. 




G K R G E M I T C H K L L , 



PROP]} LET OK. 



Corner of George and Hunter Streets. 



LUNCHES AT ALL HOURS ! 



The BAR constantly furnished with the Best Brands of 
ALES. LIQUORS and CIGARS. 

Confectioners Fancy Goods, <fec. 



ALWAYS ON HAND. 



i: 



KEPT CONSTANTLY IN SEASON. 
January, 1867, GEOKGE MITCHELL. 



STEEI 



AGRICULTURAL WORKS! 



'PILE subscriber would announce ; months by fire. 






he is now able nme business in bis NEW BKICK BUILDINGS. 

which ha for \h? 

M(mufacture of Agricultural Implements 

By confining his attention to this article, and having imported the finest 
quality of steel that can be had in England, he feels confident that he 
offer inducements to his friends second to no shop in Canada. 

His STEEL PLOUGHS are of the most improved patterns, of which he has 
a large assortment. A new steel GANG PLOUGH, CULTIVATORS m 
HARROWS, SLEIGHS and WAGGONS. 

THE TALL CHIMNEY. SOUTH OF THE MARKET. «^©& 

J. HAMILTON. 




GENERAL DEALER IN 

GROCERIES, PROVISIONS 

ROCKERY. 

Glassware, Lamps and Wooden Ware, 



-o- 



All kinds of Country Produce Bought & Sold at his Store. 



M. CADOTTE 



i* 



!|Pi 



KEEPS <»N HAND 

Teas, Sugar, Coffee, Pepper, Saner. &e. 

Vhmfor. Molasses, 'Syrup. Fish, Pork. 

B U KN11 A &1 \S BLOCK. 

t, (next door to Cai&se's Hotel) Peterborough; 

THOS. MENZIES, 

PETERBOROUGH, 0. W. 

Always* on hand, a large stock of Books, Stationery, WaS* Fapftw, Windon 
Blinds, #c., &6.;^-0HEAP FOR <'AS!li„ 

^gg American Money Bought and Sold at l><-st. Kate 
Peterboro : , January, 1867. 



r. JOHN BURN HAM 

arriMer, Jlttorney-ai- haw. Solirifw, 
f CONVEYANCER, &c. 

AKora y bo Loan on Improved Farms. is^No Commission Charged.'^* 



<m 



the Royal Canadian Bank, Georgeflt.. PeterboroV 
32 



there is Nothing lake Leather ! 

:o: 

W ALTER PATTERSON <fc SON, 

WHOLESALE & RETAIL 

Manufacturer® and Dealers in all kinds of LEATHER. 

THE HIGHEST PRICE 

83* Paid in Cash for Hides and Skins, 

AND LEATHER FOR CASH. 
Remember Hall's Old Stand, Aylmer Street, Peterboroi > 

January, 1867. 

D. FUN T I. AND, Dentist, 

Begs to inform the public that he is now prepared to 

JE^tiiraet Teeth "Without Paim*, 

By the aid of NITROUS OXIDE GAS. Teeth Filled in the most carefiil 

manner. Teeth inserted, — from one to a Full Sett, — in the various styles, 

and warranted equal to any work done in the largest Cities. 

D. P. is also Agent for R. S. Williams' MELODEONS. A ock of 

>SHEET MUSIC always on hand. 

THOS. W. POOLE, M.D., 

CORONER, 

PETERBOROUGH, C. W. 



Iff.* 



COMMERCIAL UNION 

Assurance Company of London, England. 

CAPITAL, $12,500,000; Or £2,500,000 Sterling, 
d Office for Canada, Montreal. Morland, Watson & Co. General Agents. 

GEO. A. COX, Agent at Peterborough. 

London & Lancashire Insurance Company, 

CAPITAL. - $5,000,000. 
I> OFFICE FOR CANADA, MONTREAL. 

GEO. A. COX, Agent at Peterborough- 



TTVT ^ T P Yl A °\f f3 If? C& 




CAPITAL, £2,000,000 Sterling. 
Head Office for Western Canada, Toronto, C. W. 

GEO. A. COX, Agent for Peterboro. 

CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY. 

Head Office Hamilton, C. W. Capitol and Invested Funds $1,700,000. 

Dr. KINCAID. GEO. A. COX, Agent at Peterboro. 



Edinburgh life assurance cost, 

ESTABLISHED 1823. 
Amnnulated and Invested Funds over £9,000,000 Stg. 

GEO. A. COX, Agent at Peterboro. 

Travellers' Life & Accident Insurance Oo J y, 

OF HARTFORD, CON. 

Weekly compensation for Personal Injury. 

GEO. A. COX, Agent at Peterborough. 

MONT »CEAN STEAMSHIP COMPANY. 

Tickets issued to and from all parts of Canada and Great Britain. Return 
luced rates. Full information may be obtained on application to 

GEO, A. COX, Agent at Peterboro 5 ' 

32* 



hotographic t Fine Art Gallery. 






WALTON STREET 



&$m m* 





■ — .( >.^— — 




:t>: 



I ' I . > I I 



?ir$''M3X!)'* 



' 1 ard Pictures. Landscape? 



s. 



:o: 




RES ENLARGED & COLORED 



-:<>:- 



Mr. EvviD£ bogs to -tnto thai his » ru-1 






FBONOVNCED by COMPETENT JUDGES 



I) ST 



\rtistioallv Lighted and Fiitet 



OF ANY IX THE PROVINCE. 



— :o: 



SPECIALITY, 



in 



s^:nlakging portk a its 



O K 



ANV SIZE II' TO I, IKK. , 

THOUROUGHLY < M >LORED in < ML. 





A SKETCH 



OF 



THE EARLY- SETTLEMENT 



• »• 



AND SUBSEQUENT PROGRESS OF 



(D 





(II 



®lu ©0U f n 0! § ttirttffottgfc,- h 



AND OF EACH TOWNSHIP IN TIIK 



COUNTY OF PETERBOROUGH. 



BY THOMAS W. POOLE, M. D. 



(D 
I 





PETERDORO U G II : 

PRINTED BY ROBERT ROMAINE, 

At ihe Office of the •• I'elerl orougli Review." 

1807. 



XIa^'O^wXZa 







Geo, Stethem & Co. 



IMPORTERS OF 



CUTLERY 

SAWS, 
FILES, ■ 




PAINTS, 

OILS, 



MECHANICS' TOOLS. 
Carriage and Cabinet Makers' Hardware, 

VARNISHES, 



IMJOUilB^ CUMiMM 



CHAINS, CORDAGE, 

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS 

BRUSHES, MACHINE OILS, 

ILi®©lks a ILats3hi(B§ s (Daffifaag 1 ® 3B©Ms g 

Iron and Steel, Horse Nails, Rasps, 
CARTRIDGES FOR THE MOST APPBOYED RIFLES, &c, &c. 



Purchasers will find here a well assorted stock of General Hardware, 
comprising many articles not usually found outside of the Cities. 

Sign of the CROSS CUT SAW, 

January, 1867. George Street, Peterborough, 



^ 



Sf 



RE CO MM END AT 10 NS. 



FROM LIEUT.-COLONEL HAULTAIN, M. P. P. 

My Bear Sir, I have looked over your historical sketch of the County 

with much pleasure. I feel that both its present and future inhabitants 
arc indebted to you for the public spirit and assiduity you have displayed, 
in rescuing from oblivion those incidents and recollections which are asso- 
ciated with the early settlement and after progress of this part of Canada. 
* * The difficulties that were overcome in the past should increase our 
thankfulness for the advantages of the present, and prove an incentive to 
to all, and therefore, if for no other reason, I hope there will be but few 
houses in the county of Peterboro' where your book will not find a corner. 

FROM W. H. SCOTT, ESQ., MAYOR OF PETERBOROUGH. 

I have derived much pleasing and valuable information from the perusal 
of a work prepared by Dr. Thos. W. Poole, of Peterborough, on the early 
settlement and subsequent progress of the County and Toftn of Peterbo- 
rough. The author traces, with due and interesting particulars, progres- 
sive 3 incidents connected with the gradual development of this part of the 
country from early in the present century down to our own day, and 
answers a want that has heretofore been seriously felt in the community. 
The interesting data upon which he builds this history of local civilization, 
are apparently°drawn from various and somewhat intricate sources, at no 
inconsiderable sacrifice of time and labour. 

FROM JAMES EDWARDS, ESQ , J. P., TOWN CLERK OF PETERBORO. 

I have read somewhat carefully the proof-sheets of a pamphlet, by T. W. 
Poole, M.D., entitled "A Sketch of the early settlement and subsequent 
progress of the Town of Peterboro.', and of each Township in the County 
of Peterborough,' and have much pleasure in recommending it as a useful 
and agreeable record of the early pioneers' trials and triumphs in reducing 
a howling wilderness into fruitful fields. Dr. Poole has, in collecting the 
materials for his work, manifested a great deal of indefatigable indi^ 
and an aptitude to collate narrations and facts as obtained from oral and 
written sources, together with an agreeable and .pleasing style, that will 
make his work not" only useful as a reference to the past and present of the 
Town and County of Peterborough, but also readable and instructive 
sincerely hope that he will be amply remunerated for the labour ;\nd \ 
he has displayed in making his book reliable and interesting. 

FROM E. BURNHAM, ESQUIRE, BARRISTER, &C. 

« 

Dear Sir, — I have read over the proof-sheet of your work on the Town 
and County of Peterborough, and from a long experience of the facts 
which you treat upon, I can say that your book contains a very careful 
and correct history of the matters of which it professes to treat. It ought 
to have a large circulation, and it is well worthy a most extensive patron- 
, which I hope it will receive. 

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